Javy Lopez News

Canada will stage one of the four first-round pools at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, a source close to Major League Baseball said yesterday. via London Free Press

“It didn't happen in spring training”

Three-time All-Star Javy Lopez retired Saturday after being reassigned to the Atlanta Braves' minor league camp, ending his bid to return to the majors as a backup catcher. via The Knoxville News-Sentinel

“You can't ask for anything better.”

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and the Cardinals' medical staff will keep a closer eye this season on Albert Pujols' balky right elbow. via Athens Banner-Herald

Photo by Tim Evearitt Javy Lopez in his prime with the Braves. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. via Chattanoogan.com

“When you're watching TV, watching the games, you're like, 'I should have been there.”

Javy Lopez looks as though he never left. "I've got my old locker, my old number," Lopez said Saturday, surveying his surroundings after the second workout of his second go-around with the Atlanta Braves. via CBS SportsLine

Photo by Tim Evearitt Former Lookouts catcher Corky Miller is in the battle for backup catcher to Brian McCann LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. via Chattanoogan.com

“We'll see how all the pieces fit”

The following is the seventh in a series of weekly stories on MLB.com examining each Major League club, position by position. via Major League Baseball

Any discussion of the Red Sox's bullpen starts with the finisher. In Jonathan Papelbon, Boston has a man who just might be the most dominant closer in the game. via Boston Red Sox

“But I was real happy with the power numbers.”

Javy Lopez, once a three-time All-Star with the Braves, hopes to beat out the competition for a backup role as a non-roster invitee. via Atlanta Braves

“The frustration was pretty bad”

Gone, but never forgotten by his legion of fans or the organization that raised him, Javy Lopez will return to the Braves hiding some of his mental scars with a renewed sense of enthusiasm that was only ... via Major League Baseball

The Atlanta Braves agreed to terms on a one- year minor-league contract with catcher Javy Lopez on Monday. via KIRO-TV Seattle

With all the moves in the bullpen thus far this offseason, can you give us idea of what it might look like next year? -- Robert E., Greensboro, N.C. With Rafael Soriano serving as the closer, Peter Moylan will ... via Major League Baseball