April 1st Daily News and Transactions

MLB
-Rangers claimed 1B Ryan Garko off waivers from Mariners; he had 13 HR, 51 RBI in 2009

Not a major move but Garko should be a solid backup for Rangers starting 1b Chris Johnson and could also be a decent DH if Vladamir Guerrero doesn't work out.

-Mets P Francisco Rodriguez leaves team for personal reasons, expected to be back for Monday opener

K-Rod had a family member, assumed to be his brother, back in Venezuela involved in a serious car wreck. His absence won't hurt the Mets too much as he plans to be back for Opening day though the Mets aren't expecting him back until a couple of days after that.

-Phils place closer Brad Lidge, RP J.C. Romero on DL; both could be activated April 10

I reported yesterday that Lidge was taking treatments for his elbow and the team targeted a Mid April Return. Romero is also targeting a mid April return, the 12th is what he is hoping for, and he is coming off a year with his least amount of appearances since 2001, and the Phils are hoping when he gets healthy he can return to his 2007 and 2008 form where he was one of the better relief pithcers in the game.

-Orioles officially acquire INF Julio Lugo, cash from Cardinals for player to be named or cash

As of right now that player has not been names but this is a solid move for the Orioles, as they currently only had 3 middle infielders in starters Cezar Izturis and Brian Roberts, with backup Robert Andino trying to provide depth for both positions. Now Andino can back up Izturis and the Veteran Lugo, entering his 11th season, can back up Roberts, and just about any position in the infield.

-Mets SS Jose Reyes will start season on DL; missed 3 weeks of spring training due to thyroid issues

The Mets are really hoping that Reyes recovers to 100% as he is one of the best young SS in today's game. He will be replaced by Veteran Alex Cora who is a solid defender at SS but is nowhere near the hitter or runner that Reyes is. The sooner Reyes recovers the better. The Mets are going to be playing in a tough position and they don't need any setbacks if they want to have a chance. Luis Castillo should take over the leadoff spot until Reyes return.

-Phillies SP Joe Blanton headed to 15-day DL with oblique strain that will need 3-6 weeks to heal

Yet another Philies pitcher to be out with an injury. Blanton for his career has been a very solid middle of the rotation, 3rd or 4th guy with a great career WHIP of 1.33. Kyle Kendrick, who went 21-13 as a Phillies starter in 2007 and 2008 but was relegated to the bullpen with just 2 starts last season, has been named Blanton's replacement in the rotation.

NFL
-Giants sign S Deon Grant (started 144 straight games, 3 seasons each with Panthers, Jags, Seahawks)

Should provide depth for the Giants in the secondary. Didn't exactly have a dream season this past season but still has some value as a backup or in dime and quarter packages.

-Browns DT Shaun Rogers arrested at Cleveland Hopkins Intl Airport, police say he had a loaded gun

You would think after Pacman Jones, Plaxico Burress, and then in the NBA this season Gilbert Arenas that players would just not carry loaded/unlicensed weapons with them. Nothing says rebuilding in Cleveland like having your players arrested. He will most likely be suspended for the season meaning the Browns traded Corey Williams and have just lost Shaun Rogers. Woof.

-Bears released DE Alex Brown, who started 107 of 127 career games in 8 years with the team

Depth at DE is going to be a big need for the Bears now as they have lost 2 of the 3 DEs that were on the roster at the end of this past season, with Gaines Adams passing away, and now they are releasing Alex Brown. They did sign Julius Peppers this offseason but that leaves him and Mark Anderson. I'm guessing they are going to draft some depth in the later rounds and/or try to find someone to fill in as backup.

-Seahawks LB Leroy Hill received 12 months probation after pleading guilty to marijuana possession

This will be interesting to see how new head coach Pete Carroll responds to the charges brought about Hill, a starter for the Seahawks since 2005. Honestly? I don't blame the guy. Yeah it's illegal but maybe he needed it to get through last year. What Seahawk wouldn't?

-Giants re-signed 44-year-old P Jeff Feagles, who will enter his 23rd season in 2010

If he and the Giants still feel that he can be a reliable punter week in and week out then this was a solid move.