Around The Majors- Thursday

Today's games will be followed by the latest news and notes, and a look at AAA's opening day.

Today's Games
-Both John Danks and Jake Westbrook pitched well today, but a Joe Crede homer off of Westbrook in the 8th gave Chicago the lead, and then Linebrink and Jenks closed out a 2-1 White Sox win over the Indians. Juan Uribe also homered for the ChiSox, and Ryan Garko drove in the lone Cleveland run.
-Johnny Cueto's struck out 10 over 7 innings while allowing just one run as the Reds edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Doug Davis allowed 3 runs and 6 walks in less than 4 innings of work, as Jeff Keppinger homered for Cincy. Justin Upton homered for Arizona, as Weathers, Lincoln, and Cordero closed the door for the Reds.
-The Royals are 3-0 after a 4-1 win over the Tigers. Zach Greinke allowed a run over 7 innings as Ramirez and Soria shut the door for the win. Alex Gordon and Mark Teahan homered for KC, as Brandon Inge went deep for the lone Tiger tally. Jeremy Bonderman took the loss for Detroit. -Washington blew 5-0 and 6-1 leads and lost in the 10th on a bases loaded walk to Jason Werth gave the Phillies an 8-7 win. Clay Condrey defeated Jesus Colome in the contest. Chris Coste homered for the Phillies, and Pedro Feliz drove in 2. Ronnie Belliard drove in a pair in the loss.
-Ervin Santana allowed 2 runs over 6 strong innings, as Matthews, Hunter, and Napoli all homered in a 5-4 Angels win over Minnesota. Joe Mauer homered and drove in 2 for the Twins as Oliver, Speier, and K-Rod closed out the win.
-Brad Thompson struck out 6 over 6 2/3 shutout innings as St Louis blanked Colorado 3-0. Ubaldo Jimenez took the loss for the Rox.
-The Cubs salvaged the last game of their series, defeating the Brewers 6-3. Ryan Dempster allowed just 2 runs over six innings, and Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood shut the door on the win. Aramis Ramirez homered and Alfonso Soriano had 2 RBI for Chicago. Dave Bush gave up 6 runs over 5, and Prince Fielder drove in a pair for Milwaukee.
-Houston and San Diego are in progress...Toronto and the Yankees will play the rubber match of their 3 game set at 7 as Dustin McGowan matches up with Phil Hughes. Sonnanstine and Trachsel will go as Baltimore battles Tampa Bay. Mike Hampton makes his grand return against Zach Duke as Atlanta plays Pittsburgh.

News & Notes
-Jose Canseco has to watch his back. While in New York signing copies of his new book, MLB officials cornered the slimeball former big league star and questioned him on what he knew about players who used steroids. It's unknown why he was addressed now rather then the time of his first book. We'll see how this turns out, but it could end up juicy......Speaking of juicy, Cubs minor league pitcher Robert Hernandez was suspended 50 games for steroids. He was slated to start the season in Middle A Peoria.
-Houston signed LHP Tim Byrdak and assigned him to AAA Round Rock.

AAA Opening Day
-In the International League, Syracuse defeated Louisville 2-0. Jays prospect starter David Purcey outdueled Reds pitcher Homer Bailey as Adam Ling homered for the Chiefs. Rochester-Richmond, and Durham-Toldeo are in progress. Kei Igawa will pitch for AAA Scranton tonight as they face Lehigh Valley. Haeger and O'Connor go in Columbus, Laffey and Penn pitch in Norfolk, and Bartolo Colon will start tonight for Pawtucket in their game against Indianapolis.