Talkin' Baseball with Mary - Jones, Santana & Hill

photo from:  www.wastereducer.com

Story By - Mary Clausen

Hi baseball buds.  Opening Day is getting closer, isn't it.  But we still have two, yes two weeks to go.  OK a little bit of Opening Day trivia for everyone.  You know where the first professional baseball team was, don't you?  Yes Cincinnati, Ohio.  That is why Cincinnati has the first Opening Day game of the season  -- every year.  This year they're playing the Mets April 6 at 1:10 p.m.  FYI, my Cardinals are playing the same day, but their game starts at 3:10 p.m.  Here's some more information about what's going on in baseball these days.  Game on, almost!

April 23.  Andruw Jones Staying with Texas (his first name still hugs me) - The five-time All-star looks like he will stay with the Texas Rangers for the time being - at least until after spring training. He's going to stick with his contract and not opt-out.  Their GM Jon Daniels told Jones that it looks like at this time his best bet is to be a bench player and Jones will accept the reduced role. "They want me on the team, but it's a tough decision to make right now." said Jones, "They told me it will take a few more days to know what will happen."  There is no guarantee that he will make the roster before the season begins April 6.

April 23.  Santana looks great - Those who watch him pitch lately for the Mets can't tell that he has had knee surgery or has a sore elbow.  Word is that he looked great in the game yesterday against the Braves. This was his second start on the mound and he only allowed one run during five spectacular innings.  They say that his fast ball looked great.

Blue Jays want Hill - They'll know in the next few days if they are able  to sign Shawn Hill, a native from Mississauga.  He was recently released from the Washington Nationals  and has become a free agent.  He has several offers he is looking at right now and the Blue Jays General Manager , Alex Anthopulos recently said, "We like him a lot." If he would sign with the Blue Jays, he would first go to Triple-A, Las Vegas and then be brought up to the major leagues later.

Adios amigos,    Mary