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Watch Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankee Live Online

2009-10-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

Watch Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankee Live Online - It's a series that's been built as David vs. Goliath, with the Twins sitting as the huge underdog against the Yankees.

That seemed to be epitomized by the pitching matchup in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday, with Twins rookie left-hander Brian Duensing facing off against Yankees ace CC Sabathia.

While Duensing held his own for the early part of the contest, New York slowly got to the southpaw as it tagged him for five runs over 4 2/3 innings in a 7-2 Minnesota loss at Yankee Stadium.

One night after celebrating perhaps the greatest regular-season win in Metrodome history to catapult them into the playoffs, the Twins appeared to come out with the same energy and intensity early on in Game 1.

Duensing looked solid over his first two innings, yielding just a leadoff single to Derek Jeter in the first before retiring seven straight batters.

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Live Online

2009-06-07T04:41:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Live Online - After his last start, Joba Chamberlain couldn't help but take a few moments to laugh at the clubhouse television screens, which were showing him launch into a not-so-graceful belly flop across the infield at Cleveland's Progressive Field.

The resulting double play that came of that effort, Chamberlain would gladly stow away for future reference. But the rest of his eight-inning performance, the first of his big league career, wouldn't help him his next time out against the Rays, so the right-hander said that page would be turned immediately.

Watch New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Online

2009-04-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Online. With Chris Carpenter out again for an extended period, the St. Louis Cardinals have needed the remainder of their rotation to step up early in the season. Joel Pineiro has done that despite not being completely happy with his results the last time he took the mound.

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Still, Pineiro looks to win his third consecutive start on Wednesday night as the Cardinals continue their three-game set with the New York Mets, who will try to help John Maine notch his first victory.Carpenter, the 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner who has missed almost all of the last two seasons with arm woes, now is recovering from a strained left ribcage that could keep him out until the beginning of July.

With their presumed ace out, St. Louis must get more consistency from the rest of its staff.Pineiro (2-0, 5.40 ERA) pitched solidly at home to beat Houston on April 10, but struggled on the road in a 12-7 win over Arizona last Wednesday. The right-hander yielded five runs and nine hits in five innings, and said he had trouble commanding his sinker.

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Watch Athletics vs Yankees Live Online - Preview

2009-04-22T02:23:00.000-07:00

Watch Athletics vs Yankees Live Online. CC Sabathia hasn't enjoyed much success against the team located closest to his hometown.The high-priced New York Yankees left-hander looks to reverse his fortunes against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday in the finale of a rain-shortened two-game series.Sabathia (1-1, 4.85 ERA) hails from Vallejo, Calif. -- located just north of Oakland.

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The Yankees ace is just 3-7 with a 6.12 ERA in 15 career outings versus the Athletics, and the only team he has a worse ERA against is New York (6.16).He might find things different against this Oakland (5-8) team. Jason Giambi is 2-for-11 against him and Orlando Cabrera is even worse at 4-for-26 for the Athletics, who haven't homered in their last six games.Sabathia faced great expectations as the staff's top pitcher after signing a $161 million, seven-year contract in the offseason.

He gave up six runs and five walks to lose on opening day at Baltimore, settled down to pitch 7 2-3 scoreless innings in a win at Kansas City on April 11 before getting the call to pitch in the first game at the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

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Watch Twins vs Red Sox Live Online - Preview

2009-04-22T02:18:00.000-07:00

Watch Twins vs Red Sox Live Online. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins came into a two-game series looking to continue their turnarounds and add to their winning streaks.Now they'll have to do it in one day.Trying to carry momentum from weekend sweeps, the teams play a rescheduled day-night doubleheader on Wednesday.

Tuesday's rain delayed the Red Sox's attempt to win their sixth straight game and the Twins' chance at four in a row.After winning two of its first eight games, Boston (7-6) has won five straight and was coming off a four-game sweep of Baltimore, capped by Monday's 12-1 rout. Boston, which had season highs in runs and hits (15) Monday, is averaging 7.6 runs and batting .318 during the winning streak after averaging 3.6 runs and hitting .237 in its first eight.David Ortiz entered Monday's game hitting .170 before getting a double and two-run triple.

"He'll be all right. He swung the bat well," said Dustin Pedroia, who was 4-for-6 with three RBIs. "It's a long year. Six hundred at-bats. The season isn't 50 at-bats."Pedroia was also slumping but seems to have found his stroke. He finished the series against the Orioles 9-for-18 with four RBIs after going 7-for-39 (.179) with one RBI in his first nine games. The reigning AL MVP is batting .390 (23-for-59) with six doubles in 16 career games versus the Twins.Minnesota started 4-7 before sweeping a three-game series from the Los Angeles Angels this weekend."If we had gotten swept, it would have been a morgue in here," third baseman Brendan Harris told the Twins' official Web site after Sunday's 3-1 win. "

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(Manager Ron Gardenhire) talked about not panicking. He just talked about coming in here and playing hard and we'll get it turned around. And we did."Minnesota (7-7) was swept in a three-game series at Fenway last season and last met Boston on July 9 in an 18-5 loss.Justin Morneau was 13-for-26 with a homer, double and five RBIs in seven games against the Red Sox in 2008, and is 5-for-12 with a double lifetime versus Tuesday's scheduled starter for the first game -- Tim Wakefield (1-1, 3.00 ERA).

Wakefield was outstanding his last time out, coming within five outs of his first no-hitter. The 42-year-old knuckleballer walked two while throwing a four-hitter in an 8-2 win Wednesday over Oakland, and the Sox haven't lost since.Wakefield wasn't sharp in his only start against the Twins last season, yielding seven runs and seven hits in 2 2-3 innings of a 9-8 road loss May 11.Minnesota counters with Scott Baker (0-1, 13.50), who is coming off a rough outing.

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Watch Marlins vs Pirates Live Online - Preview

2009-04-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

Watch Marlins vs Pirates Live Online The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken the first two games of their series with the red-hot Florida Marlins thanks to outstanding performances from their fourth and fifth starters.

They should feel pretty good about their chances for a sweep with Paul Maholm on the hill.Maholm has a sub-1.00 ERA through three starts, and Wednesday afternoon he'll look for his third consecutive win as the Pirates try to complete their first three-game sweep of the visiting Marlins in nearly four years.Even more surprising than Florida getting off to such an impressive start is the fact that Pittsburgh (8-6), which in 2008 sported an NL-worst 5.08 ERA, is leading the NL with a 3.00 ERA through 14 games.

The Pirates' young starting staff was the biggest culprit in a 95-loss 2008 season, posting a 5.36 ERA and a major-league low 33 wins. But new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan seems to be making quite a difference. Pittsburgh's starters already have seven wins and a 2.79 ERA, allowing just five homers in 81 innings.The Marlins (11-3) came into PNC Park averaging 6.4 runs, but the Pirates' fourth and fifth starters have shut them down.

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Ross Ohlendorf pitched seven innings of two-hit ball Monday in Pittsburgh's 8-0 win, then Jeff Karstens allowed a run and three hits over six innings in a 3-2 victory Tuesday, hours after the Pirates found out catcher Ryan Doumit would miss eight-to-10 weeks with a wrist injury."A lot of people doubted us, but we all believe in ourselves and we all believe in each other," Karstens said of the Pirates' staff. "That's all that matters right now.

Enough can't be said for (Kerrigan); we're more prepared than any team in the league."As the Pirates try to complete their first sweep of the Marlins since May 30-June 1, 2005, at PNC, they'll have their No. 1 pitcher on the mound. Maholm (2-0, 0.87 ERA) has yielded just two earned runs in 20 2-3 innings, and he scattered four hits and three walks in seven innings Friday in a 3-0 win against Atlanta.Still, both Maholm and his manager think he can be better."Paul did a good job tonight," manager John Russell said. "He wasn't as sharp, but he found a way to get outs. He's got enough confidence in himself that's he capable of being OK even when things aren't going right."

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Watch MLB Live Online

2009-04-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Want to Watch MLB Live Online no matter where you are in the world? As a die-hard MLB fan myself, I cannot afford to miss the excitement of Red Sox in actions, either at home or office. However, my local cable/satellite does not broadcast any of the Live mlb games and I'm not satisfied with delayed broadcast.

Watch Philadelphia Phillies Game Online

2008-10-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

At the end of August, the Toronto Blue Jays determined Matt Stairs could not help their playoff aspirations this year or in the future.

Watch Philadelphia Phillies Game Online

In the middle of October, the St. John, N.B., native put the Philadelphia Phillies on the brink of clinching their first World Series berth since 1993.

The 40-year-old's pinch hit, two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning off Los Angeles Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton gave the Phillies a come-from-behind 7-5 win in Game 4 and a 3-1 stranglehold in the best-of-seven series.

Stairs' home run provided a fitting end for a game that saw the two best regular season bullpens in the National League take turns trying to give the game away.

"It's probably a big reason why clubs get to this point in the season," said Dodgers manager Joe Torre of the two clubs respective bullpens before the game.

Perhaps, but not until Phillies closer Brad Lidge entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth did either relief corps manage to hold a lead.

The right-hander, who went 41 for 41 in save opportunities, once again found trouble while converting his fifth consecutive save opportunity off the playoffs.

Manny Ramirez lined an opposite field double off Lidge and Montrealer Russell Martin reached first after striking out to give the Dodgers runners on the corners.

But Lidge retired James Loney on a fly ball to left to end the inning.

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That was enough for some in the famously early leaving Dodgers crowd start heading for the exits before Lidge made the result official in the bottom of the ninth.

Before Stairs took Broxton's 3-1 pitch over the wall in left, Philadelphia's Shane Victorino tied the game 5-5 with his own two-run home run off Dodgers reliever Cory Wade.

Philadelphia's four-run eighth erased the 5-3 lead L.A. built in the bottom of the sixth on Casey Blake's solo home run off Chad Durbin and Ryan Howard's throwing error.

Howard scored on a Chan Ho Park wild pitch to tie the game 3-3 in the top of the inning.

The Phillies had two runners on with two out when Andre Ethier's sliding catch of pinch hitter So Taguchi's dying quail held the Phillies to a lone run.

Ethier's catch loomed even larger when Blake's home run put L.A. up 4-3. Howard then threw away a sacrifice bunt attempt by Rafael Furcal to let another run score and give the home side a 5-3 lead.

Furcal running right through third base coach Larry Bowa's stop sign helped power the Dodgers to a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth.

The Dodgers hitter led off the inning with a walk and took second on Ethier's single before Ramirez rewarded a raucous Dodger Stadium crowd with a single to left.

Furcal ignoring Bowa tied the game 2-2 and let Ramirez extend to eight his record for consecutive LCS games with at least one RBI.

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Watch Boston Red Sox Game Online - ALS Series

2008-10-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Entering the post-season, the Boston Red Sox figured they were holding a pair of aces. But the upstart Tampa Bay Rays have turned up two trump cards of their own.

After battering Josh Beckett with home runs in Game 2, the Rays followed suit against Jon Lester. And once again, B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria forced the Red Sox to fold.

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Upton and Longoria each homered off Lester in the third inning, launching the Rays to a 9-1 victory and a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.

Tampa Bay capped the rout with two late homers - a three-run blast by Rocco Baldelli in the eighth and a solo shot by Carlos Pena in the ninth.

Technically, the Rays gained back home-field advantage. Even if Boston wins the next two here, the best-of-seven series would return to Florida. But without saying it out loud, the relaxed, confident Rays - needing two more wins for a World Series berth - are hoping they can pull off a miracle in Fenway Park.

"Nobody thought we'd win like this," Carl Crawford said.

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Added Longoria: "I think in our minds we wanted to steal one out of here. I don't like to give anybody too much credit, but we didn't really think it was going to be this one, at least I didn't. Just from the way [Lester has] pitched in previous starts, he feeds off energy in this ball park, and we were able to kind of suck the energy right out from the get-go."

For all their offensive heroics, the Rays also got splendid pitching from starter Matt Garza and two relievers. Garza worked six-plus innings and allowed one run on six hits.

"Garza is the main reason why we won that game," manager Joe Maddon said. "I really believe in that. The starting pitching sets the tone. Him doing what he did tonight permitted us to get into the flow of the game, get some runs and then maintain. He did not permit them to come back."

After Upton and Longoria keyed a four-run third inning, Crawford said he feared the vaunted Boston lineup might retaliate. Garza shut down the Sox in the third and through the sixth.

"When he put up a zero [in the third], I started feeling good about it," Crawford said.

Garza compiled an 11-7 record and 3.70 ERA after coming to Tampa Bay in a critical trade with Minnesota. The 24-year-old right-hander joined James Shields, Scott Kazmir, Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson in the Rays precocious rotation.

Meanwhile, Baldelli, who hails from nearby Rhode Island, was once a long shot even to play in the post-season. He missed much of the season with a rare disease that causes general fatigue and inhibits muscle recovery.

The Rays' four homers tied an ALCS record, logged most recently by the Red Sox in Tampa Bay's 9-8 win Saturday night.

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Watch San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks Live Online

2008-04-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Watch San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks Live Online at 9:40 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies Live Online

2008-04-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies Live Online at 8:35 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

Watch San Diego Padres vs Houston Astros Live Online

2008-04-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Watch San Diego Padres vs Houston Astros Live Online at 8:05 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

Watch St. Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers Live Online

2008-04-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Watch St. Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers Live Online at 8:05 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds Live Online

2008-04-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Watch Florida Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates Live Online

2008-04-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Watch Florida Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 21, 2008
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Watch New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Live Online

2008-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Mets vs Chicago Cubs Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Watch Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Live Online

2008-04-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Live Online at 7:00 PM ET, April 21, 2008
Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Oakland Athletics Live Online

2008-04-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Oakland Athletics Live Online at 10:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California

Watch Seattle Mariners vs Los Angeles Angels Live Online

2008-04-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Watch Seattle Mariners vs Los Angeles Angels Live Online at 10:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

Watch San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks Live Online

2008-04-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Watch San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks Live Online at 9:40 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

Watch San Francisco Giants vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Online

2008-04-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Watch San Francisco Giants vs St. Louis Cardinals Live Online at 8:15 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

Watch Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins Live Online

2008-04-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Watch Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins Live Online at 8:10 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Watch Colorado Rockies vs Houston Astros Live Online

2008-04-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Watch Colorado Rockies vs Houston Astros Live Online at 8:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves Live Online

2008-04-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves Live Online at 7:35 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Live Online

2008-04-18T10:53:00.001-07:00

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

Watch Washington Nationals vs Florida Marlins Live Online

2008-04-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs Florida Marlins Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida

Watch MILWAUKEE Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds Live Online

2008-04-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Watch MILWAUKEE Brewers vs Cincinnati Reds Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Watch DETROIT Tigers vs Toronto Blue Jays Live Online

2008-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Watch DETROIT Tigers vs Toronto Blue Jays Live Online at 7:07 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Watch New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies Live Online

2008-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watch Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox Live Online

2008-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Watch Texas Rangers vs Boston Red Sox Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

Watch New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles Live Online

2008-04-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Live Online

2008-04-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs Live Online at 2:20 PM ET, April 18, 2008
Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois.

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers Live Online

2008-04-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers Live Online at 10:10 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California

Watch Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres Live Online

2008-04-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Watch Colorado Rockies vs San Diego Padres Live Online at 10:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Petco Park, San Diego, California

Watch Milwaukee Brewers vs ST. LOUIS Cardinals Live Online

2008-04-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Watch Milwaukee Brewers vs ST. LOUIS Cardinals Live Online at 8:15 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

Watch Cincinnati Reds vs CHICAGO Cubs Live Online

2008-04-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Watch Cincinnati Reds vs CHICAGO Cubs Live Online at 8:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Watch New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Live Online

2008-04-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

Watch Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins Live Online

2008-04-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Watch Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Dolphin Stadium, Miami, Florida

Watch Washington Nationals vs NEW YORK Mets Live Online

2008-04-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs NEW YORK Mets Live Online at 7:10 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York

Watch Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies Live Online

2008-04-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Watch Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watch Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers Live Online

2008-04-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Watch Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Watch Boston Red Sox vs CLEVELAND Indians Live Online

2008-04-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Watch Boston Red Sox vs CLEVELAND Indians Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

Watch Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles Live Online

2008-04-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Watch Toronto Blue Jays vs Baltimore Orioles Live Online at 7:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Seattle Mariners Live Online

2008-04-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Seattle Mariners Live Online at 6:40 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants Live Online

2008-04-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants Live Online at 4:35 PM ET, April 15, 2008
AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

Watch Los Angeles Angels vs Texas Rangers Live Online

2008-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Watch Los Angeles Angels vs Texas Rangers Live Online on 2:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Watch Oakland Athletics vs Chicago White Sox Live Online

2008-04-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Watch Oakland Athletics vs Chicago White Sox Live Online on 2:05 PM ET, April 15, 2008 U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois.

Watch Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks Online Live

2008-04-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Watch Colorado Rockies vs Arizona Diamondbacks Online Live at 3:55 PM ET, April 12, 2008 Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona. According to AccuScore Projections, Arizona Diamondbacks has a 55% chances of winning this match.

Watch New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Online Live

2008-04-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Online Live at 3:55 PM ET, April 12, 2008
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. According to AccuScore Projections, Boston Red Sox have a high chance of winning this game, at 62%.

Watch New York Yankees vs Kansas City Royals Online Live

2008-04-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Yankees vs Kansas City Royals Online Live at 8:10 PM ET, April 09, 2008 Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri. According to AccuScore Projections, Kansas City Royals is the hot favorite for this game.

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Online Live

2008-04-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Online Live at 7:10 PM ET, April 09, 2008 Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York. According to AccuScore Projections, New York Mets is the hot favorite with 52% chances of winning this match.

Watch Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox Online Live

2008-04-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Watch Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox Online Live at 7:05 PM ET, April 09, 2008
Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. Although Detroit has not won yet, the manager is not upset yet.

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Live Online

2008-04-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Live Online

and closer The New York Yankees got their most impressive start of the season on Sunday after Chien-Ming Wang went six innings and struck out six before turning it over to setup man Joba ChamberlainMariano Rivera for the final three hitless innings in a 2-0 victory.

"It was a little different coming in with runners on base, but it was good to do that," Chamberlain said. "You don't want to give up the runs for Chien-Ming. He did such a great job. The bullpen's got to hold it down."

Watch Texas Rangers vs Los Angeles Angels Online Live

2008-04-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

Watch Texas Rangers vs Los Angeles Angels Online Live

The Texas Rangers hope they have solved their early season offensive issues.

Kevin Millwood would sure appreciate some help of any kind Saturday when he takes the mound in the middle game of the Rangers' series with the Los Angeles Angels.The Rangers (2-2) got a season-high 12 hits to beat the Angels 11-6 in Thursday's series opener after finally halting Los Angeles' six-run, ninth-inning rally. Ben Broussard hit his second homer in as many games, belting his sixth career grand slam in the fourth.Texas' strong offensive display came after being held to eight runs with a .206 batting average in its first three games, and had only seven hits in a 5-2 season-opening loss at Seattle on Monday.

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies Online Live

2008-04-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies Online Live

Brandon Webb won 18 games last season and Jeff Francis won 17. Webb is already one win ahead of Francis this season, as the Colorado Rockies' original opening day starter has yet to officially pitch due to some unusual circumstances.

Francis makes his season debut on for the Rockies against Webb and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night as the NL West rivals continue their three-game series at Coors Field.The Rockies (1-3) started Francis, who went 17-9 with a 4.22 ERA in 2007, on Monday at St. Louis. It wasn't a good outing as Francis needed 70 pitches -- only half of them for strikes -- to get seven outs before a downpour stopped the game with one out in the third inning and the Rockies trailing 5-1."I might be the luckiest guy on the planet today," Francis said. "I guess I should go to the casino tonight."

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Florida Marlins Online Live

2008-04-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Florida Marlins Online Live

The last time the Florida Marlins had this many walk-off home runs, they ended up winning the World Series.

While it may be considered too early and somewhat far-fetched to consider them title contenders this season, the Marlins might just be happy winning consecutive games for the first time Saturday in the middle game of their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates.The Marlins (2-2) have won both of their games in 2008 on walk-off homers. They haven't had that many in a single season since hitting four in 2003, the last time they won the World Series.Mike Jacobs delivered the latest one Friday, hitting a leadoff homer in the ninth off Franquelis Osoria to give Florida a 5-4 come-from-behind win. It was also Jacobs' first homer and RBI of the season and capped a 3-for-5 performance after he went 1-for-11 in the first three contests.

Watch Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles Online Live

2008-04-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

Watch Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles Online Live

Despite spending $42 million to strengthen their bullpen following the 2006 season, the Baltimore Orioles didn't come close to getting the desired results.

They used a different philosophy this past summer, and so far, the relievers have been the team's biggest strength.Baltimore seeks its third straight win Saturday night when it continues a four-game series against the visiting Seattle Mariners.Signing relievers Danys Baez, Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford to big contracts after the 2006 season didn't pay off for the Orioles (2-1), who finished 70-92 -- the franchise's 10th straight losing season. A bullpen that posted a dismal 5.71 ERA was among the biggest culprits.While Walker and Bradford pitched effectively in spurts, Baez, signed to a three-year, $19 million contract, was a bust, going 0-6 with a 6.44 ERA before he was sidelined late in the season with a right elbow injury.

Watch Cleveland Indians vs Oakland Athletics Online Live

2008-04-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

Watch Cleveland Indians vs Oakland Athletics Online Live

Even when Cleveland Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia struggles, he is confident his teammates will bail him out. It might be time for him to return the favor.

Sabathia tries again for his first win of 2008 and help the Indians avoid a third straight loss as they continue their three-game series with the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.Sabathia (0-0, 8.44 ERA) made his fifth Opening Day start on Monday, but was unable to protect a five-run lead in a 10-8 victory over the rival Chicago White Sox. The left-hander, who yielded six hits and struck out seven over 5 1-3 innings, avoided a loss thanks to Casey Blake's tie-breaking, three-run double in the eighth."It was not that big of a surprise," said Sabathia, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. "Nobody in this clubhouse was ever in doubt. We always have faith that somebody would come through and it was Casey -- once again."

Watch Angeles Dodgers vs SAN DIEGO Padres Online Live

2008-04-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Watch Angeles Dodgers vs SAN DIEGO Padres Online Live

It took all of one start for reigning Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy to pick up from where he left off last season. That could spell trouble for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Peavy looks to continue his dominance over the Dodgers when the NL West rivals continue their three-game series Saturday at Petco Park.In San Diego's 4-0 season-opening victory over Houston on Monday, Peavy (1-0, 0.00 ERA) allowed three hits and three walks in seven innings. The Padres (3-2) ace also struck out four, and added an RBI single and a sacrifice fly at the plate."He's pretty good," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "It wasn't by accident that he won the Cy Young last year."The right-hander Peavy improved to 5-0 with a 0.73 ERA in his last seven starts at Petco Park, where he has been just as overpowering against the Dodgers (3-1), going 4-0 with a 1.22 ERA in six career starts -- all wins for the Padres.

Watch New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves Online Live

2008-04-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Mets vs Atlanta Braves Online Live

If the Atlanta Braves are going to regain their status atop the NL East, they'll need to capitalize on strong outings from ace Tim Hudson.

They hope he gives them another chance to do that when he takes the mound against the hot-hitting New York Mets on Saturday, a day after the teams were rained out.Hudson (0-0, 2.57 ERA) received only one run of support in Atlanta's season-opening 3-2 loss at Washington on Sunday. The right-hander retired the final 19 batters he faced after allowing two runs and three hits in the first inning. He left after the seventh, and reliever Peter Moylan gave up a solo homer to Ryan Zimmerman in the bottom of the ninth.

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers Online Live

2008-04-05T04:19:00.000-07:00

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers Online Live

With the second-highest payroll in the major leagues, the Detroit Tigers opened the season with high expectations.

Still looking for their first win of 2008, the Tigers hope one of their biggest offseason acquisitions will help them turn a frustrating start around as Dontrelle Willis makes his Detroit debut Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.Willis spent the previous five seasons in the National League with the Florida Marlins, going 68-54 with a 3.78 ERA in 162 starts. He is coming off a disappointing 10-15 season last year during which he had a career-high 5.17 ERA.The Tigers (0-4) signed the 2003 NL rookie of the year and 2005 runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award to a $29 million, three-year deal in December, during a series of offseason moves that led to the second-highest payroll in the major leagues at $138.7 million.There are concerns about Willis' health, however, after he dealt with forearm issues last year, and the left-hander struggled during spring training, failing to alleviate those worries."I just hope that it clicks when the bell rings," Willis told MLB.com. "That's the only think you can be concerned about. If it's not, we'll continue to work on it. It is what it is."

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins Online Live

2008-04-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins Online Live

In the first game of their weekend series, the Minnesota Twins managed to snap their own three-game skid and put an end to the Kansas City Royals' fast start.

That's where the good news ends for Minnesota.The Twins look to press on after an injury to right fielder Michael Cuddyer when they continue their three-game series against Kansas City Saturday at the Metrodome.Minnesota (2-3) placed Cuddyer on the 15-day disabled list with a dislocated and lacerated right index finger following Friday's 4-3 win over the Royals (3-1).Cuddyer injured his finger in the third inning when he collided awkwardly with Kansas City's Alex Gordon on a head-first slide into third base, and had to go to the hospital to get stitches to close the gash."He probably won't be able to throw for at least two weeks," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said.Losing Cuddyer could be a huge blow to the Twins, as he has emerged as one of the main clubhouse leaders after Torii Hunter's departure for the Los Angeles Angels. Cuddyer also led the AL in outfield assists over the last two years.

Watch Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals Online Live

2008-04-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs St. Louis Cardinals Online Live

Adam Wainwright became a key contributor out of the bullpen in helping the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title in 2006. He then moved to the rotation last season and became one of their top starters.

Wainwright will try to continue his development as he gets another chance at his first start of 2008 on Saturday in the middle game of the Cardinals' series with the Washington Nationals.Wainwright (14-12, 3.70 ERA last season) went 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA and three saves in 61 relief appearances as a rookie for St. Louis (3-1) in 2006. He then went on to dominate nine playoff games, throwing 9 2-3 shutout innings with four saves as the Cardinals won their first World Series championship since 1982.Cardinals manager Tony La Russa then moved the right-hander into the rotation in 2007, and he was shaky through the first half -- going 7-7 with a 4.66 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .291 in 17 starts. However, he settled down and was impressive in the second half of the season with a 7-5 record and a 2.71 ERA, limiting batters to a .245 average.He finished the season with the most wins in franchise history for a first-year starter, and the team felt that was good enough to sign him to a four-year extension through 2013 in March.

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds Online Live

2008-04-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

Watch Philadelphia Phillies vs Cincinnati Reds Online Live

The Philadelphia Phillies' batting order features both NL MVPs from the last two seasons. It's very possible, however, that its most dangerous hitter is one who hasn't earned that distinction -- yet.

Chase Utley looks to continue his hot start as the Phillies continue their four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Saturday.There aren't many holes in Philadelphia's lineup, which boasts 2006 league MVP Ryan Howard and reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins. Though Utley can't claim to have won the league's most prestigious individual award, he has finished in the top 10 in voting in each of the last two seasons -- his second and third as a full-time major-leaguer.Utley was considered one of the frontrunners last year, but a broken hand cost him a month of the season, and perhaps a shot at the trophy.Though that injury limited the All-Star second baseman to 132 games, Utley still managed to hit 22 home runs, drive in 103 runs and score 104 more, all while compiling a .332 batting average.He hasn't missed a beat in 2008, going 5-for-14 (.357) with a major league-leading three home runs, five RBIs and six runs scored without a strikeout in his first four games.Utley hit two homers to lead the Phillies (2-2) to an 8-4 victory in the opener of this series on Friday night. The second of those home runs was the 100th of his career.

Watch Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Online Live

2008-04-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

Watch Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Online Live

In the early days of the 2008 season, it appears the Toronto Blue Jays still know how to beat the Boston Red Sox.

The Blue Jays seek to clinch a series win over the Red Sox as the AL East rivals continue their three-game set Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre.Boston (3-2) has reached three of the last four postseasons and won two World Series titles in that span, while Toronto (2-2) has not finished closer than 10 games from the top of the AL East in that stretch. However, the Blue Jays have looked like the dominant club in recent seasons when the division rivals have met.Since the start of the 2005 season, Toronto is 33-23 against Boston -- the most wins over the Red Sox by any opponent in that span. That trend continued in Friday night's home opener, won 6-3 by the Jays. Frank Thomas doubled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and Matt Stairs added a solo home run for Toronto.Starter Shawn Marcum limited the Red Sox to three hits while striking out eight over seven innings before a sellout crowd to help the Blue Jays improve to 24-8 in home openers.

Watch Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs Online Live

2008-04-05T03:12:00.000-07:00

Watch Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs Online Live

With three former All-Stars around him, Kosuke Fukudome wasn't expected to carry the Chicago Cubs' offense. So far he's doing just that -- and waiting for anyone else to follow his lead.

The Cubs will try to get their slumping bats untracked on Saturday when they continue a three-game set against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field.Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez have made a combined nine All-Star appearances -- Soriano and Lee played in last year's Midsummer Classic -- and the trio combined to hit .309 in 2007.But Chicago's three big bats have struggled thus far in 2008. While Fukudome is batting 6-for-12, Soriano, Lee and Ramirez are hitting a combined .148 (7-for-48) through four games, and the Cubs (1-3) have scored three runs or fewer in each of their losses.Fukudome had two more hits on Friday, while Soriano, Lee and Ramirez went a combined 2-for-12 as Houston (2-3) took the series opener 4-3.Things wouldn't seem to get easier on Saturday as two-time 20-game winner Roy Oswalt (0-1, 5.06 ERA) takes the hill for the Astros.Oswalt made his team-record sixth straight opening day start for Houston on Monday, but gave up three runs on 11 hits in just 5 1-3 innings in the team's 4-0 loss at San Diego.

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Online Live

2008-04-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Online Live Preview

It's been a long offseason for Andy Pettitte.

The veteran left-hander hopes to further the process of leaving his admission of HGH usage further behind as the New York Yankees continue their three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.Pettitte (15-9, 4.05 ERA) had a tumultuous offseason after being included in baseball's Mitchell Report in December. Shortly after his name was made public among those who used performance-enhancing drugs, Pettitte confirmed Brian McNamee's claim he used HGH on two separate occasions in 2002 as part of his recovery from an injury.Additionally, Pettitte provided an affidavit for a House committee that admitted his HGH usage again in 2004 and also claimed former teammate Roger Clemens told him the 300-game winner received HGH injections in either 1999 or 2000, a claim Clemens emphatically denied at a Congressional hearing while testifying along with McNamee.Pettitte took a small step back to normalcy Opening Day, when he received a mostly warm welcome Monday from Yankees fans when they announced the teams prior to the game being rained out. The left-hander, who arrived at spring training late, was placed on the disabled list with back spasms in late March.

Watch San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers Online Live

2008-04-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

Watch San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers Online Live Preview

Milwaukee Brewers fans would like to see the club retain key members of its power-packed lineup for years to come. That's probably even more the case after Milwaukee produced 16 hits in its home opener.The Brewers look for another offensive outburst on Saturday when they continue a three-game weekend series against the San Francisco Giants.Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder was upset in spring training after his contract was renewed for $670,000 this season. He will be eligible for salary arbitration next year and in line for a big raise after hitting an NL and franchise-best 50 home runs last year to go along with 119 RBIs.Ryan Braun, last year's NL rookie of the year, was renewed for $445,000 and also said he didn't like it, but understood.Principal owner Mark Attanasio confirmed Friday that the Brewers (3-1) are trying to negotiate long-term deals with Fielder, Braun and other young players."It's a work in process, the discussions back and forth," Attanasio said during the Brewers' home opener. "It'll take a little bit of time here."

Watch Toronto Blue Jays Vs New York Yankees Online Live

2008-04-04T02:35:00.000-07:00

Watch Toronto Blue Jays Vs New York Yankees Online Live

In the third, leadoff hitter David Eckstein scored on Alex Rios' single, and Eckstein added an RBI of his own to support Dustin McGowan in the series finale. The Jays had to do without Frank Thomas after the fourth, when the slugger was ejected after disputing a called third strike.

Phil Hughes handcuffed the Blue Jays early, retiring the first nine batters he faced. The Yanks erased a two-run deficit in the sixth, with Johnny Damon scoring on a wild pitch and Jason Giambi plating Derek Jeter with a sac fly. Bobby Abreu knocked in the winning run in the eighth.

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Atlanta Braves Online Live

2008-03-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs Atlanta Braves Online Live Preview

Tom Glavine should feel right at home returning to the Atlanta Braves for 2008. He certainly didn't look comfortable in capping off a collapse to end last season.

The future Hall-of-Famer tries for a better start to the new season Monday when he takes the mound for Atlanta's home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.Glavine, who will turn 42 on Tuesday, spent 16 seasons with the Braves (0-1), helping them win the 1995 World Series and five NL pennants. The left-hander won two Cy Young Awards, posted five 20-win seasons and earned 242 of his 303 career victories in his first stint in Atlanta before joining the rival New York Mets in 2003.In five seasons with New York, Glavine went 61-56 with a 3.97 ERA, helped end the Braves' string of 14 consecutive division titles in 2006, and last August became the 23rd pitcher to win 300 games. However, his last start as a Met was one he'd surely rather forget.

Watch Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners Online Live

2008-03-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Watch Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners Online Live Preview

The Seattle Mariners were among baseball's biggest surprises in 2007, staying in the playoff race until late in the season following three straight last-place finishes.

They won't be fooling anybody this time around.Erik Bedard, the centerpiece of a bolstered starting rotation, will take the mound for the Mariners as they start the season at home on Monday against the Texas Rangers, with high hopes for their first playoff berth since 2001.

After posting an 88-74 record in 2007 -- their best since 2003 -- the Mariners acquired Bedard from Baltimore in early February, giving up top prospect Adam Jones, reliever George Sherrill and three other prospects in order to secure the left-handed ace.Bedard, 29, went 13-5 with a career-best 3.16 ERA for the Orioles last season, striking out 221 in only 182 innings before being shut down in late August due to a strained oblique muscle.

Watch Colorado Rockies vs St. Louis Cardinals Online Live

2008-03-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Watch Colorado Rockies vs St. Louis Cardinals Online Live Preview

The Colorado Rockies are eager to show that their run to the World Series last season was no fluke.

Monday at Busch Stadium.With their young roster largely unchanged from 2007, the Rockies are hoping to finish what they started last season as they kick off a season-opening three-game series with the St. Louis CardinalsThe Rockies started off slow last season, but won 14 of their 15 final regular-season games, including the wild-card tiebreaker against San Diego, to reach the postseason for the second time in team history and first since 1995 with a 90-73 record.

Colorado then reeled off seven straight wins to capture its first NL pennant before getting swept by Boston in the World Series."We need to win four more games," manager Clint Hurdle said.

Watch Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres Online Live

2008-03-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Watch Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres Online Live Preview

Trevor Hoffman was walking across the San Diego Padres' clubhouse one day late in spring training when he found his path blocked by Kevin Kouzmanoff, who was checking out a new bat.Hoffman wisely pulled up and let the third baseman finish his swings."Colorado loves me enough already," baseball's career saves leader cracked.Kouzmanoff has an offseason home in Denver, where the Padres' 2007 season ended in a gut-wrenching, 13-inning loss to the Colorado Rockies in a wild-card tiebreaker game on Oct. 1.

Matt Holliday never seemed to touch home plate with the winning run, but umpire Tim McClelland's delayed safe call gave Colorado a thrilling victory. The Rockies made it all the way to the World Series, where they were swept by the Boston Red Sox.Hoffman walked off the field that night with his second blown save in three games. Two days earlier, Hoffman was one strike away from getting the Padres into the playoffs when he was victimized by Tony Gwynn Jr. All the Padres had to do was win one of their final three games to reach the playoffs for a third straight year. They lost all three.

Watch Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Online Live

2008-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Watch Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Online Live Preview

Torii Hunter may not recognize his former team when he takes the field for the first time with the Los Angeles Angels.Hunter will get a firsthand look at how Minnesota has moved on without him Monday when the Angels and Twins kick off a season-opening four-game series at the Metrodome.

Hunter, a seven-time Gold Glove center fielder, signed a $90 million, five-year deal -- the richest in Angels history -- just before Thanksgiving. Hunter spent the first nine full seasons of his career in Minnesota, where he was arguably the most popular player since Kirby Puckett.He is coming off one of his better seasons, hitting .287 with 28 homers and 107 RBIs in 2007.

"I thought I would finish my career there, but I had it in the back of my mind just to be ready for it, that one day it would happen to me," Hunter said. "I was hoping it wouldn't but it did, and what better place can you come? To a stadium like this: 70 degrees and work on your tan."

Watch San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers Online Live

2008-03-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Watch San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers Online Live Preview

The Barry Bonds era in San Francisco is over, while in Los Angeles, the Joe Torre era is about to begin.

The Dodgers and the Giants are both hoping that new looks will lead to better results as they kick off a season-opening three-game series Monday at Chavez Ravine.Los Angeles (82-80) finished in second-to-last place in the NL West last season, ahead of only San Francisco (71-91), marking just the second time since division play began in 1969 that the two teams brought up the rear in the division.

The Giants finished in last place despite the efforts of Bonds, who hit 28 of his 762 career homers in 2007, passing Hank Aaron's previous all-time record of 755 along the way. However, San Francisco declined to re-sign the 43-year-old slugger, and he has yet to find a new job.During spring training, the Giants expressed their relief at not having to deal with the circus atmosphere that Bonds attracted. In addition to his pursuit of the home run record, allegations of steroid use have hounded Bonds in recent years, and he was indicted in November on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.But even in his absence, the Giants can't entirely escape Bonds.

Team owner Peter Magowan and general manager Brian Sabean met with commissioner Bud Selig or his representatives during spring training after December's Mitchell Report raised questions about whether Giants officials might have known that Bonds or other players were allegedly using steroids and performance-enhancing drugs. And aside from the steroid issue, this season's team knows it will be still be judged with the former franchise player in mind.

Watch New York Mets vs Florida Marlins Online Live

2008-03-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

Watch New York Mets vs Florida Marlins Online Live Preview

Santana, more than anyone else, has given the Mets reason to believe that they're better than last year. He's charged them with optimism and erased memories of last September -- and all that without throwing a pitch of any consequence.

With new ace Johan Santana in tow, the Mets have taken a more serious approach this spring as they look to erase the memories of last season's bitter collapse.

A free-agent pickup brought in to provide some leadership, the 33-year-old gets his first big league Opening Day nod, partly because of injuries and largely because of performance.

With Opening Day approaching on March 31 against the Mets at Dolphin Stadium, the Marlins head into a new season out to prove they can once again emerge as surprise contenders. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez is just one important member of the crew back for his third full big league campaign.

Watch Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Online Live

2008-03-31T04:17:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Online Live Preview

Chico, who changed his mechanics late in Spring Training, delivered a solid rookie campaign in 2007, going 7-9 with a 4.63 ERA in 31 starts for Washington.

Left-hander Matt Chico will get the start for the Nationals against the Phillies on Monday afternoon, and he hopes that recent mechanical changes will do wonders.

Myers makes his second straight Opening Day start after a whirlwind 2007 season that ended with him as the team's closer. Myers appears to have made a seamless transition back to the rotation, with a 1.13 ERA in three spring starts.

The Phillies will begin their run for a second consecutive NL East division title when they host the Nationals on Monday afternoon at 3:05 p.m. ET.

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles Online Live

2008-03-31T04:10:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles Online Live Preview

Shields will be making his first Opening Day start and it will happen in Camden Yards, where he made his Major League debut in 2006. He's is 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven career starts against the O's.

The Rays begin their season at Camden Yards, a venue that has not been kind to the team in the past. But with Jamie Shields getting the ball and a Tampa Bay squad that has grown in the past year, this season could be different.

Guthrie outlasted all the competition to line up for Baltimore's Opening Day start, an assignment granted to him as a reward for a fine rookie season, during which he ranked second among AL rookies in ERA, strikeouts and innings.

Jeremy Guthrie will get the ball on Opening Day, and the Orioles hope that offseason acquisitions Luke Scott and Adam Jones will help foster a new environment. Though Baltimore's new rebuilding philosophy has gotten scrutiny, the team is excited for the season and is going full-speed ahead.

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians Online Live

2008-03-31T04:01:00.000-07:00

Watch Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians Online Live Preview

After having his streak of five straight Opening Day starts snapped last season, Buehrle makes his sixth Game 1 start in the past seven years. He holds a 5-4 record at the newly dubbed Progressive Field.

After a difficult 2007 campaign, the White Sox are looking to turn the page and are hoping some new additions with help them contend in the AL Central this season.

The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner will be making his fifth career Opening Day start. He is 14-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 23 career starts against the White Sox, including a 2-0 record and 2.57 ERA in three starts last year.

In recent years, Opening Day for the Indians has been something of a harbinger for the entire season. The Tribe isn't superstitious, but it knows a fast start is important in the AL Central.

Watch Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Online Live

2008-03-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

Watch Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Online Live Preview

Sheets has started more games at Wrigley Field (12) than at any other road ballpark and has had some battles against the Cubs over the years. He's making his sixth Opening Day start in the past seven years and is 3-0 in openers.

As if Opening Day wasn't already exciting enough, the Brewers will begin the season at Wrigley Field against a Cubs team they'll likely fight for the division title.

Big Z has looked sharp this spring and has been in control, both emotionally and pitch-count wise. Zambrano was 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA against Milwaukee last year. He is winless in three previous Opening Day assignments.

For all of the talk about the 100th anniversary of the Cubs' last World Series win, the current team is focused more on the task at hand this year than the past.

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Online Live

2008-03-31T03:45:00.000-07:00

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Online Live Preview

Webb will be making the third Opening Day start of his career. An Ashland, Ky., native, he grew up a Reds fan and will have a large contingent of family and friends on hand to mark the event.

If the D-backs hope to defend the NL West in 2008, they will need a better performance from their offense, particularly their young core of position players. Last year, the D-backs were outscored by 20 runs, which usually means a below .500 record.

In his one start against Arizona last season, Harang allowed one earned run and six hits with eight strikeouts over eight innings for a no-decision on July 8, won by the Reds, 4-3. This will be Harang's third consecutive Opening Day start.

Although they are coming off of their seventh straight losing season, new manager Dusty Baker has the Reds feeling good about their chances in 2008.

Watch Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Online Live

2008-03-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

Watch Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Online Live Preview

Halladay, who is coming off his second 16-win season in a row, extends his own franchise record with a sixth straight Opening Day start for the Jays.

Ever since capturing the World Series crown in 1993, Toronto has tried unsuccessfully to supplant both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox as the cream of the American League East crop. Toronto enters the '08 campaign with the same high hopes it has carried into the past few seasons, but believes this time the result could be different.

Wang draws his first Opening Day start -- the final such assignment at the current Yankee Stadium -- after establishing himself as MLB's winningest pitcher over the past two seasons with 38 wins.

This is no longer Joe Torre's team. While the Yankees brought back largely the same core that won 94 games in 2007, plus one more in the American League Division Series, the biggest change is the presence of Joe Girardi, a former Yankees player, coach and broadcaster who will now try his hand as the manager.

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers Online Live

2008-03-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

Watch Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers Online Live Preview

Meche did an outstanding job in last year's opener, defeating the Red Sox. Now he gets the honor again at Detroit, where he'll face a hostile crowd and a very hostile lineup. He's 4-1 lifetime in nine games at Comerica Park.

Changes are everywhere for the Royals this season, beginning at the top with new manager Trey Hillman, who's bringing a different brand of baseball to Kansas City.

While Detroit's other starters have something to prove after last season, Verlander's 18 wins in 2007 vaulted him into baseball's elite at age 25 and helped earn him his first career Opening Day assignment.

The Tigers are opening their season in Detroit, in March. It's sure to be cold, but the Detroit fans will help warm things up as they welcome the team's new additions.

Watch Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Online Live

2008-03-30T04:07:00.000-07:00

Watch Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves Online Live Preview

Manny Acta has announced his starting lineup for Sunday's Opening Day game against the Braves at Nationals Park:

Cristian Guzman, SS
Lastings Milledge, CF
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
Nick Johnson, 1B
Austin Kearns, RF
Paul Lo Duca, C
Elijah Dukes, LF
Ronnie Belliard, 2B
Odalis Perez, P

The most intriguing part about this lineup is where Guzman and Lo Duca are batting. Guzman is replacing Felipe Lopez in the top spot. He has a career .302 on-base percentage, which is low for a leadoff batter, but Acta is hoping that Guzman can once again be the player who had a .380 on-base percentage in limited action last year.

"I don't believe in the past," Acta said. "I would rather go with what he did in 2007. Am I going to sit here and tell you that he is going to have a .380 on-base percentage like he had last year? I don't think he will. Even if he drops 40 points, I'll be happy.

"The thing is, it's not a secret. We don't have a legit leadoff hitter, so we are still searching for it."

Lo Duca is batting after Kearns and before Dukes because Acta wants a contact hitter like Lo Duca to be between two guys who strike out often.

"It helps that Lo Duca is a .288 lifetime hitter," Acta said. "You don't want to have back-to-back strikeout guys, but that could change."

Watch Chicago White Sox vs New York Mets Online Live

2008-03-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

Watch Chicago White Sox vs New York Mets Online Live

Leaning against a wall located steps from his team's clubhouse at the Kino Sports Complex, Ken Williams shifts his spring focus away from baseball and the 2008 White Sox for a moment.

One of the topics today is politics, specifically honing in on the Democratic presidential primaries involving Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Williams has been an eloquent and direct leader since taking over as White Sox general manager on Oct. 24, 2000. He doesn't seek out media attention but certainly has never shied away from a controversial topic.

During Ozzie Guillen's five primarily successful and always entertaining years as manager, Williams actually has needed to make a few extra speeches than he probably ever envisioned. But politics rarely, if ever, served as the focus of his particular platform.

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago White Sox Online Live

2008-03-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Chicago White Sox Online Live

The Diamondbacks had some spring injury issues that opened a few roster spots, but the core of the team remains intact. There is enough talent to consider them a solid contender to defend their National League West title and even go further than last year, when they lost to Colorado in the NL Championship Series.

All-Stars Brandon Webb and newcomer Dan Haren will anchor a rotation that should be among the best in the NL, a group that includes Randy Johnson, Doug Davis (a career-high 13 wins last season) and 2007 rookie two-way performer Micah Owings (the Silver Slugger winner).

It appears Johnson may be delayed a week or two out of spring training while recovering from August disk surgery. He did not make his first spring start until mid-March, but he has reported no health issues. The bad news for the rest of the league is, in Johnson's short window of health last season, he was his dominant self, albeit through six innings instead of nine.

Left fielder Eric Byrnes and center fielder Chris Young jump-started the offense last season, when Byrnes became the 11th player to record 20 homers and 50 stolen bases in the same year and Young became the first rookie in history to hit 30 homers and steal 25 bases. Running may be less of an option this season if the young hitters continue up the learning curve, as the Diamondbacks project.

Watch Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs Cleveland Indians Online Live

2008-03-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Watch Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs Cleveland Indians Online Live

After a hiccup in 2006, the Indians' rebuilding effort surged ahead last year with an American League Central title and victory over the Yankees in the AL playoffs.

Cleveland ultimately fell one victory shy of the World Series, but the season was a booming success in virtually every other respect. The Indians' rotation was the single biggest reason why they won the division. Their starters had a collective 4.19 ERA — best in the AL — and ace C.C. Sabathia won his first Cy Young Award in a tight race with Boston's Josh Beckett.

Sabathia was not Cleveland's only award-winner. Eric Wedge was named AL Manager of the Year; general manager Mark Shapiro was chosen by The Sporting News as Major League Baseball Executive of the Year; and centerfielder Grady Sizemore won his first Gold Glove.

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Yankees Online Live

2008-03-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Yankees Online Live

The Yankees will depart town on Thursday by saying goodbye to Legends Field, as the club's Spring Training facility is set to be officially renamed in honor of principal owner George M. Steinbrenner.

To be re-named "George M. Steinbrenner Field," the stadium will receive scoreboard signage in left field displaying its new moniker in a special ceremony prior to Thursday's 1:15 p.m. ET exhibition game against the Pirates.

The stadium renaming was approved in February by two unanimous resolutions from the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council, endorsing the honoring of Steinbrenner for his many charitable donations on behalf of youth activities, hospitals and the arts.

Among Steinbrenner's most striking contributions was the founding of The Gold Shield Foundation, which ensures that the families of police officers and firemen killed in the line of duty receive early financial assistance and are guaranteed a tuition-free college education. The resolutions recognized that Steinbrenner has stepped forward at critical times to help influence and improve the local community.

Watch Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics Online Live

2008-03-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Watch Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics Online Live

Of all the rituals that ravenous Red Sox fans have had for Opening Day over the years, one that has never occurred is setting alarm clocks to celebrate the event.

In an opener like none other in the storied history of the club, that is exactly what will happen when the defending World Series champions formally kick off their title defense under the roof of Tokyo Dome against the Oakland Athletics.

Though Tuesday's game is a standard night game for the fans of Japan, it will start at 6:05 a.m. ET for those watching on television back in New England.

Ratings don't figure to be an issue.

"We know they'll be watching. They always do," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "The game could be played in the middle of the night. They don't care. They want to watch the Red Sox. We're used to that. We have the most passionate fans in the world."

It's just that such passion has seldom had to be exuded over coffee and donuts.

In their two exhibition games in Tokyo, the Red Sox did their best to get accustomed to the time change.

"I was a little tired [Sunday] night," said Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "It finally got me in the ninth inning. I was ready for bed. But we've got to find a way to do something. I don't know, maybe we'll drink more Red Bulls in the seventh inning. We'll be fine."

Watch MLB Online Live - Opening Series 2008

2008-03-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Watch MLB Online Live - Opening Series 2008

Before Sunday's game, fans at Tokyo Dome were treated to a scoreboard montage of the Red Sox's magical postseason run of 2007. By the time the contest between the Sox and Yomiuri Giants was actually underway, J.D. Drew re-created one of those moments live and in the flesh, bashing a grand slam to left-center.

Not to say that this Drew's slam in Boston's 9-2 victory over the Giants was anything close to the magnitude of his shot in Game 6 of the 2007 American League Championship Series, but it was a nice display of a sweet swinging not getting lost in translation from one continent to another.

While New Englanders back home were either still sleeping or just arising for Easter Sunday, the Sox were engaging in their final tune-up for Tuesday's Opening Day against the Oakland Athletics, which will be played here under this same roof of Tokyo Dome.