Top News:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rockies Acquire David Hale, Gus Schlosser From Braves — The Rockies have acquired right-handers David Hale and Gus Schlosser from the Braves in exchange for minor league catchers Jose Briceno and Chris O'Dowd, the teams announced today. — Of the players involved in this trade, Hale easily has the most big league experience.
Discussion:
Talking Chop and Purple Row
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Ex-Steeler Blount completes community service; drug charge withdrawn — Prosecutors have dropped a marijuana possession charge against New England Patriots running back and former Steeler LeGarrette Blount, his attorney said. — Blount completed 50 hours of community service, his attorney Casey White said.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, Bleacher Report and Sporting News Feed RSS
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Designate Elian Herrera For Assignment — The Brewers announced that they have designated infielder/outfielder Elian Herrera for assignment in order to clear space on the 40-man roster for the newly signed Neal Cotts. — The 29-year-old Herrera, claimed off waivers from the Dodgers last winter …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Al's Ramblings
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Red Sox To Sign Alexi Ogando — 3:11pm: Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets that there are an additional $1.5MM worth of roster bonuses and performance incentives in the deal. — 3:05pm: Ogando's deal is worth a guaranteed $1.5MM, tweets Rosenthal. He adds that Ogando can earn more via incentives.
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Over the Monster and Sporting News Feed RSS
Teddy Cahill / MLB.com:
Buxton looking to defend No. 1 slot with 2015 rankings set to be unveiled — MLB.com's Jim Callis previews two of the top hitters and pitchers on the list of the Top 100 Prospects for 2015 — After an offseason filled with transactions and intrigue, Spring Training is fast approaching.
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Third-base coach played for skipper in Minors, was on Gonzalez's Marlins staff — MLB.com Braves Reporter Mark Bowman discusses the Braves keeping Fredi Gonzalez as their skipper and hiring Bo Porter as a coach — ATLANTA — As Bo Porter distances himself from his days as the Astros' manager …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees To Sign Scott Baker To Minor League Deal — The Yankees have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with longtime Twins right-hander Scott Baker, reports Matt Eddy of Baseball America (on Twitter). — Baker was a mainstay in the Twins' rotation during their run at the top of the division …
Discussion:
The LoHud Yankees Blog, River Avenue Blues and Pinstripe Alley
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Active in the Hot Stove, Miami optimistic about competing for playoff spot — Ichiro Suzuki is introduced as a member of the Marlins organization in Japan, saying he's driven by the team's incredible enthusiasm — MIAMI — Their Hot Stove season started with the record-setting signing …
Discussion:
Marlin Maniac
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
CHAMBERLAIN'S STATUS PERPLEXING AS SPRING TRAINING NEARS — Where have you gone, Joba Chamberlain? — On the scale of free-agent mysteries, Chamberlain's case isn't as perplexing as, say, James Shields'. Still, Chamberlain at 29 is the youngest right-handed reliever on the open market.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and HardballTalk
Greg Johns / MLB.com:
Center fielder looks to move past late-season struggles after being acquired by Seattle — 9/12/14: Austin Jackson tracks down Derek Norris' sharply-hit fly ball to deep center, reaching out to make a nice catch in the 1st — SEATTLE — Among the items not on the Mariners' shopping list …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Chris Strauss / USA Today:
Devon Still and his daughter Leah wrote a book for kids fighting cancer — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Four-year-old Leah Still has been an inspiration to millions since she was diagnosed with a Stage 4 pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma in June. Next month, the daughter of Cincinnati Bengals …
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, Bleacher Report and SBNation.com
Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
Bobby Ojeda splits with SNY as sides fail to agree on new contract — The sticking point, as it usually is, was money. The two sides remained far apart on the financial terms of a new package for Ojeda. — Bobby Ojeda will not return to SportsNet New York's Mets pre and postgame studio.
Discussion:
Mets Merized Online, New Jersey Online and Metsblog