Forty-nine years.

That's how long the city of Dayton had to wait to get professional baseball back to town.

Special guest John Turnbull recently sat down with the Dayton Dragons’ VP of Stadium Operations Gary Mayse, and Owen Serey, the Assistant of Media Relations to talk about the March 31^st Reds/Marlins game…the first Major League game at Fifth-Third field.

Now on to the interview...Reds Come to Dayton - Part I

Lots of moves today as the teams began submitting final rosters…

• The Arizona Diamondbacks placed pitcher Randy Johnson and outfielders Carlos Quentin and Jeff DaVanon on the 15-day disabled list Saturday.
• The Houston Astros announced that the club has purchased the contracts of right-handed pitchers Brian Moehler and Rick White from Triple A Round Rock. Additionally, the club has optioned right-handed pitchers Matt Albers and Fernando Nieve and infielder Eric Bruntlett to Round Rock. The Astros also reassigned catcher Eric Munson to minor league camp, and he will be a member of the Round Rock roster.
• The Washington Nationals today optioned outfielder/infielder Kory Casto and right-handed pitcher Saul Rivera to Columbus of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.
• The Detroit Tigers today announced the club finalized its Opening Day roster with the following moves: purchasing the contract of lefthanded pitcher Bobby Seay from Triple A Toledo, placing lefthanded pitcher Edward Campusano on the 15-day disabled list following left elbow surgery, placing righthanded pitcher Roman Colon on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from neck surgery and placing infielder Tony Giarratano on the 60-day disabled list following right shoulder surgery.
• The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have reassigned first baseman Ken Harvey to Minor League camp and have selected the contract of righthanded pitcher Sidney Ponson from Rochester.
• This morning the Pirates placed infielder Freddy Sanchez on the 15-day D.L. (retroactive to 3/23).
• Dodger infielder Tony Abreu has been named the winner of the 2007 Jim and Dearie Mulvey Award, which goes to the top rookie in camp.
• The Rays today placed infielder Greg Norton on the 15-day disabled list. He will undergo
  surgery on Monday to repair a torn meniscus (cartilage) in his right knee and is expected to be sidelined four-to-six weeks. The Rays also optioned infielder Jorge Cantu and catcher Shawn Riggans to Durham (AAA) and reassigned C Raul Casanova, OF Dustan Mohr and INF Jorge Velandia to minor league camp.
• The San Francisco Giants made five transactions following today's exhibition game against the Oakland Athletics, optioning right-handed pitchers Scott Munter and Brian Wilson to triple-A Fresno and reassigning the following three players to minor league camp: right-handed pitchers Scott Atchison and Sun-Woo Kim, and infielder Tomas De La Rosa.
• The Oakland A’s today announced that they have optioned infielder Donnie Murphy to Triple-A Sacramento, reassigned catcher Kurt Suzuki to their minor league camp and released infielder Erubiel Durazo.
• According to Houston manager Phil Garner, Luke Scott has won the right field job.
• The Blue Jays announced Saturday that Josh Towers will be the No. 5 starter.

My, how the mighty have fallen…

As expected, right-handed pitchers Mark Prior and Rocky Cherry, and outfielder Angel Pagan have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Prior, 26, went 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA (8 ER/10.1 IP) in four spring training contests (three starts).

Matt Garza by Bill Richardson, Baseball Digest Daily

I hate to question moves by Terry Ryan, but I really don’t like this one…

The Minnesota Twins announced prior to tonight’s game that they have optioned righthanded pitcher Matt Garza to Triple-A Rochester.

Garza was 0-0, 1.50 (12.0 ip, 2 er), allowing nine hits with five walks and seven strikeouts in six appearances (one start) this spring.

Zach Minor was one of three surprise demotions made by the Tigers (Photo by Bill Richardson, Baseball Digest Daily)

• The Tigers optioned the contracts of RHP Zach Miner, INF Ramon Santiago and INF Chris Shelton to Triple-A Toledo.
• The Minnesota Twins announced that they have reassigned the following players to Minor League camp: lefthanded pitcher Mike Venafro, catchers Brad King and Matthew LeCroy and infielders Tommy Watkins and Glenn Williams.
• The Milwaukee Brewers acquired C Maxim St. Pierre from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for RHP Ben Hendrickson. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.
• Pittsburgh’s Masumi Kuwata underwent an MRI this morning in Bradenton and there is no change in the original diagnosis of a Grade 3 sprain to his right ankle…He is expected to remain on crutches for another seven to 10 days and based on his progress, it will be approximately four to six weeks until he can resume throwing.
• The Orioles announced that they have acquired veteran CA Alberto Castillo from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league OF Cory Keylor.
• The Boston Red Sox announced that righthanded pitchers Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket of the International League. Non-roster righthanded pitcher Bryan Corey was assigned to the minor league camp.
• The Washington Nationals purchased the contract of first baseman Dmitri Young and left-handed pitcher Ray King.
• The San Diego Padres will request unconditional release waivers tomorrow on right-handed pitcher Scott Strickland. Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.
• Arizona’s Scott Hairston found out this morning that he had made the club and responded by hitting three homeruns in his first three at-bats.
• Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced Tuesday that Wade Miller will be the Chicago Cubs' fifth starter.
• The Reds announced Tuesday that Aaron Harang will be their Opening Day starter for a second consecutive year.
• Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin on Tuesday named Edgar Gonzalez his fourth starter.

• The San Diego Padres today reassigned infielders Manny Alexander and Royce Huffman, and catcher Luke Carlin to minor league camp.
• The Washington Nationals today announced that first baseman Travis Lee requested and received his unconditional release after informing Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden that he did not have the passion to play any longer.The Nationals also optioned right-handed pitcher Joel Hanrahan to Columbus of the Triple-A International League, outrighted right-handed pitcher Tim Redding to Columbus, and reassigned second baseman Joe Thurston to minor-league camp.
• LHP Kurt Birkins, IF Brandon Fahey and RHP Hayden Penn were optioned to AAA Norfolk by the Orioles. Two non-roster invitees – RHP Rob Bell and RHP Jon Leicester – were reassigned to the minor league camp in Sarasota, FL.
• The Pirates reassigned the following three players to minor league camp; outfielder Andrew McCutchen (AA), pitcher Jim Brower (AAA) and infielder Yurendell DeCaster (AAA)…Manager Jim Tracy also announced today that his five starting pitchers to begin the regular season will be Zach Duke, Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Tony Armas; Shawn Chacon will begin the season in the bullpen.
• Buddy Bell announced that Zack Greinke will open the season as the Royals #3 starter.
• With Nick Johnson possibly out until June, the Nationals named Dmitri Young their starting first baseman.
• The Giants reassigned Tim Lincecum to Minor League camp, where he'll prepare to begin the season with Triple-A Fresno. With Lincecum jumping up to AAA, you can expect to see him in San Francisco sooner than later.
• The Mets officially made Mike Pelfrey a member of the starting rotation.
• Pirates infielder and National League batting champion may begin the season on the disabled list with a sprained ligament in his right knee.
• The Cardinals announced their starting rotation of Chris Carpenter, Kip Wells, Braden Looper, Adam Wainwright, and Anthony Reyes.  
• Grady Little named Brett Tomko the 5th starter for the Dodgers to start the season.

At a Spring Training game on Thursday, March 22 against the Kansas City Royals, Baseball Digest Daily writer Scott Edelman caught up with Oakland A’s designated hitter/catcher Mike Piazza in the visiting clubhouse at Surprise Stadium in Arizona.

After a 2006 rebound season with San Diego, in which he batted .283 with 22 home runs and 68 rbi in 126 games, Piazza signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Oakland A’s. Early results appear to be promising – as of March 25, Piazza has a spring batting average of .395 with 3 home runs and 15 rbi in 16 games.

Be sure to read Scott's entire interview with Mike Piazza by clicking on the link.

Lots of news today as we prepare for the season next week…

The Minnesota Twins announced prior to today’s game that they have placed outfielder Lew Ford and infielder Alejandro Machado on the 15-day disabled list, and lefthanded pitcher Francisco Liriano on the 60-day disabled list. The club was also informed that lefthanded pitcher Randy Choate elected free agency, after he was reassigned to Minor League camp on March 21. After today’s game, they have optioned lefthanded pitcher Glen Perkins to Triple-A Rochester.

This morning the Indians optioned INF Hector Luna to AAA Buffalo and reassigned the following three (3) players to minor league camp: CA Armando Camacaro, INF Keith Ginter & RHP Brian Sikorski.

The Florida Marlins today named Andy Fox their new first base / infield coach.

The Pirates Brad Eldred hit his major league leading sixth home run while collecting three RBI.

The Blue Jays reassigned RHP Blaine Neal and RHP Brian Wolfe to minor league camp.

The Royals reassigned outfielder Billy Butler to minor league camp.

John Patterson "kind of passed out" Saturday after shagging flies during batting practice, manager Manny Acta said. According to Rotoworld, it appears as though he was dehydrated.

Nook Logan injured his right groin in the ninth inning of Saturday's game and seems to be questionable for Opening Day.

(Joe Mauer by Bill Richardson - Baseball Digest Daily)

The Kansas City Royals officially announced on Wednesday that Alex Gordon will start the season as the team's third baseman. Three cheers for the new phenom, and congratulations to Dayton Moore and the Royals on another great decision!

Thanks to the White Sox for this release...

Prior to Wednesday’s spring training game vs. San Francisco, the Chicago White Sox made the following seven roster moves:

INF Josh Fields, OF Jerry Owens, OF Ryan Sweeney and RHP Sean Tracey were optioned to Class AAA Charlotte;

LHP Gio Gonzalez, C Gustavo Molina and INF Robert Valido were reassigned to minor-league camp.

With the moves, the White Sox have 33 players remaining in camp: 15 pitchers, three catchers, nine infielders and six outfielders.

(Adam Miller by Bill Richardson, Baseball Digest Daily)

Thanks to Bart Swain of the Indians for this information...

Today Cleveland optioned RHP Brian Slocum to AAA Buffalo and reassigned the following five (5) players to minor league camp: OF Trevor Crowe, RHP Jeff Harris, RHP Adam Miller, LHP Tony Sipp, CA Wyatt Toregas.

With Miller heading to the minors, Fausto Carmona will take over the 5th starter spot while Cliff Lee is on the disabled list.

The Orioles today reduced their spring training camp roster to 46 players by sending seven players their minor league camp. Two players on the 40-man roster – OF Jeff Fiorentino and RHP Jim Hoey – were optioned to AAA Norfolk. Non-roster invitees RHP Francis Beltran, OF Roger Cedeno, RHP Cory Doyne, CA Ryan Hubele and RHP Victor Moreno were reassigned to the minor league camp in Sarasota, FL.

Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo also officially named LHP Erik Bedard as the starting pitcher for the season opener in Minnesota on April 2. It will be the first opening day start for Bedard, 15-11 with a 3.76 ERA last season.

The Minnesota Twins announced prior to today’s game that they have optioned outfielder Denard Span to Triple-A Rochester…and after today’s game, they reassigned lefthanded pitchers Carmen Cali and Jason Miller and righthanded pitchers Jeremy Cummings and Kevin Slowey to Minor League camp.

Milwaukee’s RHP Ben Hendrickson cleared waivers today and was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville.

The San Diego Padres today reassigned right-handed pitcher Aaron Rakers and outfielders Adam Shabala and Will Venable to minor league camp.

Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels announced today LHPs John Koronka and A.J. Murray and RHP Josh Rupe have been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and RHPs Franklyn German and Willie Erye, catchers Salomon Manriquez and Kevin Richardson and INF Nate Gold were reassigned to minor league camp.

Chipper Jones was held out of the Atlanta Braves' lineup for the third straight game Sunday with a sore muscle on his right side.

In an exclusive interview with MLB.com, Roger Clemens said he won’t announce his plans for 2007 until at least May. And if he does pitch, it will only be for the Astros, Yankees or Red Sox.

Atlanta’s John Smoltz is determined to come out of camp with an improved changeup, to the point that that is all he threw for one inning of his latest outing.

Baltimore’s Jeremy Guthrie, who was picked up on waivers from Cleveland, has not allowed a run in eight innings of relief this spring and is now being considered as the best possibility to win a roster spot as the long reliever.

The Cubs Mark Prior has been pulled from the Cactus League rotation and is now working in minor league games as he attempts to rebuild his arm strength. Prior had an 18.90 ERA through two major league exhibition games.

Cincinnati’s Matt Belisle, 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA after three appearances, is the front-runner to win the team fifth starter's spot.

Cleveland’s Cliff Lee has not pitched at all this spring, due to a strained abdominal muscle, which will cause him to start the season on the disabled list. Manager Eric Wedge said Fausto Carmona, 1-10 last year as a rookie, is the leading candidate to replace Lee in the rotation.

Colorado’s OF Steve Finley has come to spring training and laid claim to the backup center field job over OF Cory Sullivan, who has options, meaning Sullivan could be sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs unless a deal is made.

Detroit’s Curtis Granderson has cut down on his strikeouts with a shortened swing this spring but is anxious to see how that plays out when the games begin to count. Granderson had only one strikeout through his first 32 spring at-bats.

KC Rookie 3B Alex Gordon is hitting .545 with six runs, two doubles, two triples and five RBIs in his past 10 games.

A’s outfielder Bobby Kielty began hitting off a tee last week and is recovering well from left knee surgery. He's optimistic he'll be ready for Opening Day.

San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum, whom teammates call "The Franchise," appears headed to the minors. He entered camp as a candidate for the final rotation job, but that'll probably go to RHP Russ Ortiz.

Shawn Hill was named the Nationals' No. 2 starter by manager Manny Acta. Hill came to camp as one of 12 pitchers fighting for four open spots behind ace John Patterson

Well not exactly...but Martin did press the Braves GM in the latest cooperative interview between BDD and TalkingChop.com. It's a very interesting read. It may not reveal a lot of detailed player information, but it does an excellent job in portraying the the human aspects of both the baseball executive and the journalist.

Read the whole exchange between Martin and Schuerholz, and be sure to check out TalkingChop.com for some other great player interviews!

For those of you who couldn't make it to Spring Training but would like to get a taste of the action, Bill Richardson has provided a number of photo albums from his travels throughout the Grapefruit League. Check out some of the pictures from the following contests:

March 3 - Astros vs. Braves

March 4 - Nationals vs. Astros

March 8 - Marlins vs. Dodgers

March 11 - Blue Jays vs. Twins

March 13 - Astros vs. Braves

March 15 - Tigers vs. Nationals

March 17 - Cardinals vs. Braves

• The Mariners medical director reported that the results of an MRI taken on right-hander J.J. Putz's right elbow revealed a mild flexor pronator strain. The flexor is the muscle that rotates the wrist and helps generate velocity. Putz is considered day-to-day, but the Mariners will work him very cautiously.
• According to Lou Piniella, Wade Miller has the inside track on the 5th starter spot in the Cubs rotation.
• Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Gustavo Chacin was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Tampa on Friday morning.
• Colorado Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis and manager Clint Hurdle were suspended by the commissioner's office Friday. Francis was suspended for five regular-season games for intentionally throwing at San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff on Tuesday after a warning had been issued earlier in the game. Hurdle was banned for one game, and both were fined an undisclosed amount.
• Promising Dodgers infielder Tony Abreu will be out two to four weeks with a moderate bone bruise to his left shoulder suffered when he dived headfirst into second base on an unsuccessful steal attempt.
• The 5 projected starters in Boston’s rotation, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jonathan Papelbon, Curt Schilling, and Tim Wakefield have combined to post a 3.00 ERA (14 ER/42.0 IP) in “A” games this spring.
• The Boston Red Sox today made six roster moves to reduce their major league spring training camp roster to 41 players. Lefthanded pitcher Craig Breslow, catcher George Kottaras, and outfielder Brandon Moss were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket of the International League. Three non-roster invitees, righthanded pitchers Runelvys Hernandez and Travis Hughes and infielder Ed Rogers, were assigned to minor league camp.
• The San Diego Padres outrighted the contract of outfielder Jack Cust to Triple-A Portland.
• Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Bill Bavasi announced the following roster moves at the Mariners Major League spring camp on Friday: Optioned to AAA Tacoma (5): Infielders (3)- Michael Garciaparra, Bryan LaHair, Oswaldo Navarro Outfielders (2)- Wladimir Balentien, Michael Wilson. Re-Assigned to Minor League camp (2): Catchers (2) - Jeff Clement, Rob Johnson.
• The Washington Nationals optioned right-handed pitchers Emiliano Fruto, Beltran Perez and Chris Schroder to Columbus of the Triple-A International League. The club also reassigned right-handed pitcher Winston Abreu, catcher Danny Ardoin, catcher Brandon Harper, right-handed pitcher Colby Lewis, outfielder Jose Macias and left-handed pitcher Arnie Munoz to minor-league camp. In addition, right-handed pitcher Luis Ayala, first baseman Nick Johnson, left-handed pitcher Mike O’Connor and left-handed pitcher Brandon Claussen (minor league) are expected to begin the season on the Disabled List.