Top News:
Jorge Arangure Jr / ESPN.com:
Source: Cuba defector Aroldis Chapman works out for Toronto Blue Jays — A surprising bidder has emerged in the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes. The Toronto Blue Jays held a private workout for the touted Cuban pitcher Thursday morning in Florida, then met with his representatives, a source close to Chapman told ESPN The Magazine.
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Texas looking to fill Byrd's void in lineup — Many bargains available on market to fulfill Rangers' wish list — ARLINGTON — Outfielder Marlon Byrd is on his way to Chicago, having agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Cubs on Thursday.
RELATED:
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Cubs Sign Marlon Byrd — The Cubs signed Marlon Byrd to a three-year $15MM deal today. The 32-year-old will play center field and push Kosuke Fukudome to right. Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Cubs were nearing a deal with Byrd and Carrie Muskat followed up with the contract's length …
Discussion:
TYU, GoatRiders of the Apocalypse, The LoHud Yankees Blog, Circling The Bases and The iYankees Blog
Chuck Brownson / Hardball Times:
What's the matter with Johnny? — At the beginning of the offseason, nearly everyone had Johnny Damon pegged for a return to the Bronx. It's become apparent, however, that the likelihood of his returning to the Yankees is slim to none and slim's as likely as Milton Bradley Day at Wrigley Field.
Mike Florio / NBCSports.com:
Shanahan on track to make more than $50 million from Redskins — Some league insiders believe that free-agent coach Mike Shanahan would like to get another suitor to the table in order to drive up his leverage with the Redskins. — But even if he can't shake any other team out of the bushes …
Discussion:
DC Pro Sports Report
Dan Turkenkopf / Beyond the Box Score:
Introducing ARJS — The other day on Twitter, Sky, and I were discussing how to value relievers. The conversation was triggered by a comment from Colin Wyers where he said an average reliever would successfully complete 82% of all save situations a closer finds himself in.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals have higher hopes for 2010 — Club upgrades its staff, but has room for improvement … 1. Will the Nationals play at least .500 baseball this season? — It's too early to predict because Rizzo is expected to make moves right up until Opening Day. Rizzo is never satisfied and rightfully so.
Discussion:
Nats Triple Play
David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Chipper Jones confident of ‘monster’ rebound season — Veteran Braves slugger, 38 in April, plans on staying at third base — It's a new year, and Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is expecting different results than in 2009. Just one season after winning the National League batting title …
Discussion:
Circling The Bases
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Agent: Kemp not thinking long-term deal — Dodgers exploring multiyear contract with star outfielder — LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have opened discussions on a multiyear contract with Matt Kemp, but his agent said Kemp might prefer to go year to year. — “We've only talked about it a little bit …
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Inbox: Dissecting the Bay aftermath — Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions — I keep hearing experts say that players like Jason Bay won't hit home runs in Citi Field. Doesn't the fact that visiting players hit 81 homers there last year indicate that the Mets hitters …
Discussion:
MLB Rumors
John Sickels / Minor League Ball:
New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2010 — More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP — New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, drafted in the first round in 2004. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) — Browse more photos » — Top 20 New York Yankees Prospects for 2010
Discussion:
TYU, Mike Silva's …, Zell's Pinstripe Blog, Fack Youk, WasWatching.com, River Avenue Blues, FakeTeams and Sliding Into Home
Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com:
Teen Ramirez wins MiLBY as top starter — 19-year-old Yankees prospect dominant in debut season — There's been a bit of a renaissance in the lower levels of the Yankees farm system, particularly when it comes to young, intriguing arms. — That's largely been because of a renewed effort …
