Tuesday's first pitch

Two World Baseball Classics. Two championships.
That's Japan's resume thanks to Ichiro, who's eight-pitch, tenth inning at-bat resulted in a two-run single. The game was a classic, writes ESPN's Eric Neel. The Los Angeles Times tells the big stars what they missed.

In Curt Schilling-related items:

• The Seattle TImes' Larry Stone says, send him to Cooperstown.


• The Boston Glove's Dan Shaughnessy says Schilling delivered for Boston like no athlete in The Hub's history.


• Bill Conlin says Schilling might be the only player the Yankees wanted, but couldn't get.

Now, back to The Bigs with a quick tour of camp with the region's teams.

• In Orioles camp, Jeremy Guthrie has his work cut out for him.Adam Eaton still has a problem with the long ball


• In Phillies camp, Kyle Kendrick does his best Terminator impersonation.


• Pittsburgh Pirates free agent signee Eric Hinske has the corners pegged.


• Will the Nationals steal more bases this year?

In News from other camps.

• New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi says Xavier Nady is his right fielder.
• In Los Angeles, fans can breath easy. Raphael Furcal feels normal
• Miami is getting a new stadium for the Flordia Marlins.
• A young Giants pitcher was suspended. Those weren't Tastykakes he was eating.

Lastly, we're looking at league-wide issues.

• Paul Hagen ranks the National League East.