Top News:
Lynn Henning / The Detroit News:
Phenom Yoan Moncada not likely in Tigers' plans — Cuban star Yoan Moncada has been declared free to sign with big-league teams. And wouldn't he fit nicely onto a Tigers roster that's looking for a speedy, switch-hitter with power, a big arm, and a slightly above-average glove at three infield positions?
Discussion:
Beck's Blog and Bless You Boys
RELATED:
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:
Cubs Den, HardballTalk, Over the Monster and Amazin' Avenue
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
First baseman optimistic club can exceed expectations in 2015 — Freddie Freeman discusses the changes to the Braves' roster in the offseason and looking forward to playing in 2015 — ATLANTA — Given the close bond that Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and HardballTalk
RELATED:
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Hector Olivera Works Out For Top Braves Officials — There is more evidence that the Braves are interested in 29-year-old Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera. — Today the Braves had a private workout for Olivera in the Dominican Republic. Several top Braves officials were in attendance …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Jim Duquette / MLB.com:
5 most improved teams this winter — MLB.com's Jim Duquette looks at some of the most improved teams heading into Spring Training for the 2015 season — James Shields is the only big-name free agent still out there, and even he is probably not enough to turn the tide of an entire offseason.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Zack Greinke not sold on Dodgers' winter makeover — The Dodgers won 94 games last year, repeating as champion of the National League West. They could open the season with a new second baseman, shortstop, catcher and center fielder, with newcomers in 40% of the starting rotation and 50% of the bullpen.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and HardballTalk
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Broxton projected to close, but front office also seeking other veteran relievers — 9/4/14: Making his Brewers debut, Jonathan Broxton gets Xavier Scruggs to go down swinging — MILWAUKEE — After the Brewers finalized a one-year pact with free-agent reliever Neal Cotts on Friday …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Bullpen Notes: Cotts, Mujica, Brewers, Papelbon, K-Rod
Bullpen Notes: Cotts, Mujica, Brewers, Papelbon, K-Rod
Discussion:
Hot Stove, HardballTalk and MLB Daily Dish
Nick CafardoGLOBE / BostonGlobe.com:
Time to make DH universal — New commissioner Rob Manfred will hear, and already has heard, plenty of suggestions on how to increase offense, and he has thrown out a few ideas himself. — And while Manfred probably doesn't have the backing of the National League, the old standby is always there: make the designated hitter universal.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and HardballTalk
Justin Tasch / NY Daily News:
Yankees skipper Joe Girardi claims ‘good’ relationship with Alex Rodriguez — Girardi: ‘Alex and I have kept in touch through all of this, so our relationship is good. My job is to get him ready.’ — As the relationship between disgraced slugger Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees continues …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Brad Johnson / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rays Sign Ronald Belisario To Minor League Deal — The Rays have signed free agent reliever Ronald Belisario to a minor league deal, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). Belisario was recently tied to the Blue Jays, although their reported deal fell through yesterday.
Discussion:
DRaysBay, HardballTalk and ANDREWSTOETEN.com
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
As spring training nears, Rays hope to tweak roster — For most of the past three months, the Rays roster has been under massive renovation, with 15 players dropped from the 40-man roster and a half-dozen potentially key pieces brought in. — 2 Months Ago 2 Months Ago 1 Month Ago
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
COLORADO ROCKIES / MLB — The Denver Post — Atlanta Braves pitcher David Hale works in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 25 in Atlanta. Hale went 4-5 with a 3.30 ERA last season with the Braves. (John Bazemore, The Associated Press)
Discussion:
Denver Post, Rising Apple and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rockies Acquire David Hale, Gus Schlosser From Braves
Rockies Acquire David Hale, Gus Schlosser From Braves
Discussion:
Purple Row, Baseball Essential, MLB Daily Dish and Talking Chop
Stefan / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Foul Territory Blog — Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar continues to be pleased with his recovery from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss last season. — He's throwing from 75 feet this week and hopes to move to 90 feet the following week if he's feeling good. So far, so good.
Discussion:
HardballTalk