John Lackey has changed his tune evidently.  He now says that opening day was not the deadline for the Angels to reach an extension with him.  That is good news.  I am very curious what his contracts demands are.  If he is looking for Carlos Zambrano or Burnett money that is reasonable, but CC money is not. 

Personally I would like to see to the Angels resign him, but that is probably based on emotion and not logic.  He has been an integral part of the franchise. 

Here is the link

S.L. Price's fabulous Sabathia feature in the Sports Illustrated baseball preview issue contains this nugget: The Angels offered Sabathia a five-year contract for $20 million a year with a 24-hour window. I don't know exactly what Sabathia thought of this offer, but he did tell me at one point that the interest from his home state California teams "wasn't what you think," meaning it was less.

Jon Heyman

I am not really sure what the Ninja was thinking on this one.  I guess he was going for the hometown discount.  It seems to me that quick strike strategy is not effective with the highest caliber stars.  Those signings seem to always drag on. 

Anyhow I thought this was interesting and I had not seen it reported elsewhere.

If the A's specialize in anything, it certainly is not OBP, it is injury riddled aces.  Same story different name here.  Justin Duchscherer is scheduled to have his sore right elbow examined by a doctor today.  Not very good news for a very inexperienced rotation that is looking to make good on the one year rentals of Holliday, Giambi, Orlando Cabrera and Nomar.

This is like their own special little version of groundhog day.  Pitchers and catchers report.  Their ace gets injured. 

Link