Daily Link Dump 4/8/14

Despite a Heath Bell fastball to the face last night, Royals second baseman Omar Infante avoided any major injuries. I think it's safe to say that all of us around the baseball world are glad to see Infante is safe. If you watch the video, you'll notice Bell reacted appropriately. Although he has struggled mightily over the past few years, Bell is regarded as one of the nicest guys in the league.

The Mets have tried changing up their menu to combat their struggles at home.

Longtime A's killer Ervin Santana will make his Braves debut tomorrow.

Last Wednesday, in the first game of the doubleheader, Corey Kluber's posted his career-worst FIP.

A detailed study by Tony Blengino proves something that many of us already knew: it's not a very good idea to sign a pitcher to a massive extension.

Chris Sale's changeup is the fourth-best change in the American League. Tommy Milone throws one of the three better pitches. Jarrod Parker's is just behind Sale.

Wendy Thurm classified all of the pitcher contracts on 40-man rosters. Yesterday, she did so for position players.

On this day a year ago, the A's had an off-day before kicking off a memorable three-game set in Anaheim. Don Marquez gave us a look at April 8 in A's history.

On this day 40 years ago, Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth with his 715th career longball.

How could the Marlins keep up their hot start? Grant Brisbee has some answers.

We're all familiar with Jed "Pastadiving" Lowrie. Well, here's Derek "Pastadiving" Jeter.

Two former A's hurlers will face off today as Bartolo Colon and Aaron Harang battle in Atlanta. Other matchups today include Trevor Cahill against Tim Hudson, and Dan Haren will also toe the rubber. The A's and Twins are the only teams not in action today. The Phillies and Brewers were supposed to have the day off, but yesterday's rain pushed the opener at Citizens Bank Park to this afternoon.

Tonight's minor league slate includes Josh Bowman on the mound for Stockton and Arnold Leon for the River Cats.