In Arizona:
- Bobby Parnell pitched the first 2.2 innings for the Peoria Saguaros, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out three.
- Tobi Stoner allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings.
In the Dominican Republic:
- Fernando Tatis went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored.
- Argenis Reyes went 0-for-5.
- Fernando Martinez went 1-for-3 with a run scored, a stolen base and a hit-by-pitch.
- Julio Polanco pitched two-thirds of an inning of perfect ball.
- Luis Terrero went 3-for-4.
In Venezuela:
- Edgar Alfonzo allowed two runs on two hits and a walk without retiring a batter.
- Jose Rojas allowed a solo homrun and struck out one in an inning of relief.
DRaysBay appreciates Cliff Floyd and his contributions to their 2008 World Series run. We love Uncle Cliffy, too.
At FanGraphs, David Golebiewski looks at baseball's most unheralded ace, Zack Grienke. How good is he? Really, really good.
At The Book Blog, MGL rates the NL Gold Glove selections based on their performance in UZR Ultimate Zone Rating). Beltran: Good. McLouth: Bad.
As expected, the Dodgers declined their $9.25 million option on Brad Penny for 2009.
Joe Posnanski has 3,000+ words on Bob Feller, if you're looking to kill some time on a Thursday and want to read one of the best sportswriters in the country.
Tim Brown has a bunch of nuggets from the GM meetings over at Yahoo! Sports, including a big contract offer to Manny Ramirez from the Dodgers, the Braves getting more optimistic about a possible Jake Peavy acquisition, and a rumored deal to send Hideki Matsui to Seattle.
Several teams have contacted the Rays about B.J. Upton. Upton is 23 and drew 93 unintentional walks last year. He's not going anywhere.