Top News:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Bullpen Notes: Cotts, Mujica, Brewers, Papelbon, K-Rod — Recent Brewers signee Neal Cotts tells Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he came close to hanging up his spikes before the Rangers offered him a deal for the 2013 season. After two fairly productive seasons in Texas …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish and JSOnline
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Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
Neal Cotts didn't want injuries to end career — By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel — If Neal Cotts' major-league career was going to end, he wanted it to be on his own terms. — With that in mind, Cotts showed much perseverance in overcoming Tommy John elbow surgery …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Sign Neal Cotts
Brewers Sign Neal Cotts
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball, HardballTalk and MLB Daily Dish
Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com:
U.S. Treasury letter should clear way for signing with MLB club — Richard Justice talks with MLB Tonight about the possibility that Cuban slugger Yoan Moncada could be cleared to communicate with MLB clubs — David Hastings, the agent for Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Over the Monster, Baseball America and Sporting News Feed RSS
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Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays have private workout for Cuban prospect Moncada
Rays have private workout for Cuban prospect Moncada
Discussion:
HardballTalk and MLB Trade Rumors
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Slugging third baseman joined by Alfaro, Mazara, Thompson and Gonzalez — 2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Joey Gallo has hit 40 or more home runs in each of his first two full professional seasons — ARLINGTON — Led by power-hitting third baseman Joey Gallo, the Rangers have five players listed …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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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.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, Pirates Prospects and Bluebird Banter
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Ex-Steeler Blount completes community service; drug charge withdrawn — Prosecutors have dropped a marijuana possession charge against New England Patriots running back and former Steeler LeGarrette Blount, his attorney said.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, Sporting News Feed RSS and Bleacher Report
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Red Sox To Sign Alexi Ogando — 4:04pm: Ogando passed his physical, tweets Cafardo. He's likely to serve as a seventh-inning option for Boston. — 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.
Discussion:
Union-News, Providence Journal, Over the Monster, MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk and Lone Star Ball
Comcast SportsNet:
Curran: Goodell Deflategate stance shows he's a fraud — PHOENIX - Congrats, Roger. You successfully debased your marquee event. — You allowed one of your marquee franchises to be devalued. — You allowed the legacies of a Hall of Fame quarterback and coach to be battered.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk and ESPN
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:
MLB Daily Dish, Talking Chop and Purple Row
Thomas Harding / MLB.com:
Reliever seeks spot in bullpen while infielder provides utility depth — 8/20/13: Rafael Betancourt gets John Mayberry to pop up to second for the final out of the ninth, notching his 16th save of the season — DENVER — The Rockies have reached out to a couple of their former players for depth …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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:
Yankees To Sign Scott Baker To Minor League Deal — 4:15pm: Baker will earn at a $1.5MM rate if he makes the big league roster, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets. — 12:15pm: 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).
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, The LoHud Yankees Blog, River Avenue Blues, Pinstripe Alley and HardballTalk