MLB Could Eliminate Defensive Shifts … THE LATEST

Commissioner Rob Manfred's letter to fans  —  Rob Manfred is the 10th Commissioner of Major League Baseball.  —  Dear Fans:  —  On the night of August 14, 2014, I left a Baltimore hotel after being elected Commissioner of Baseball.  As I began to reply to the overwhelming number …

Indians ace ‘excited about getting going’ for 2015 season  —  Hall of Famer John Smoltz presents Indians pitcher Corey Kluber with the 2014 American League Cy Young Award during the 2015 BBWAA dinner  —  CLEVELAND — It sat near the edge of a table inside the training room within the Indians' clubhouse.

Twins closer optimistic with new pitching coach, manager heading into 2015 season  —  9/19/14: Glen Perkins is shut down for the remainder of the 2014 season after being diagnosed with a strained forearm and nerve irritation  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Twins closer Glen Perkins said he's fully recovered …

Yankees working to void milestone bonuses for Alex Rodriguez as he closes in on Willie Mays on home run list  —  A-Rod, who has 654 career home runs, needs to hit just six more to tie Willie Mays' 660 homers and become eligible for a $6 million bonus.  He'll collect $6 million for everyone he passes on the all-time list.

Baseball's toxic tradition of chewing tobacco  —  Cheeks bulging with chewing tobacco are a common sight on the baseball pitch.  —  Once described as the nation's religion, baseball has a special place in American culture.  But there is a darker side: the cancer-causing tradition of chewing tobacco …

Mangold, Richardson slam Patriots on Deflategate: ‘Not surprised’  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Consider Sheldon Richardson and Nick Mangold skeptics when it comes to the Patriots' claim of innocence in Deflategate.  —  “That's the Patriots,” Richardson, the Jets' opinionated defensive tackle …

Hector Olivera Showcase Report  —  When it comes to 29-year-old Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera, three words come up often that aren't common to hear in the scouting community:  —  “I don't know.”  —  For the scouts who followed Olivera on the Cuban national team from 2008-10, they loved what they saw.

Mariners notebook: Jackson looking to bounce back from disappointing year  —  SEATTLE — Familiarity can also breed contentment.  That's Austin Jackson's view as he prepares for his first full season with the Mariners after two disappointing months last year following his July 31 arrival.

Blue Jays end negotiations for Orioles' Duquette  —  TORONTO — Negotiations for Dan Duquette are over after the Toronto Blue Jays refused to consider the Baltimore Orioles' demands for promising right-hander Jeff Hoffman and two other top prospects as compensation for the executive.

Zack Wheeler must lead Mets turnaround against Washington Nationals  —  FOLLOW @#!  /BTB_MIKEBHURST … There's a saying long popularized by wrestling great Ric Flare - in order to be the man, you gotta beat the man.  —  That holds true for Zack Wheeler and the New York Mets.