Top News:
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:
baseballmusings.com, MLB Trade Rumors and HardballTalk
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
U.S. Treasury letter should clear way for signing with MLB club
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, SBNation.com, Cubs Den, HardballTalk, Over the Monster and Amazin' Avenue
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
RELATED:
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
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
Hector Olivera Works Out For Top Braves Officials
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Players Avoiding Arbitration: Monday — As of Monday morning, 35 players had yet to come to an agreement with their team after exchanging arbitration figures (as can be seen in our Arb Tracker). We'll keep track of the day's minor settlements here, with all projections coming via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz...
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles, HardballTalk, Amazin' Avenue and Metsblog
Associated Press:
Dan Duquette puts Toronto in past, focuses on Orioles — BALTIMORE (AP) — Dan Duquette's job description includes making trades that will help improve the Baltimore Orioles. — This offseason, Duquette was in the middle of a potential blockbuster deal. — Duquette, the Orioles president …
Discussion:
Camden Chat
Edward Creech / MLB Trade Rumors:
Reds Sign Paul Maholm — The Reds have announced, via Twitter, they have signed left-hander Paul Maholm, which was first reported by CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. It is a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, tweets C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Discussion:
MLB.com, HardballTalk, Red Reporter and Bucs Dugout
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
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Yulieski, Lourdes Gourriel To Play In Japan — After playing in Japan in 2014, Cuban third baseman Yulieski Gourriel will return this year to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, where he will be joined by his younger brother, 21-year-old shortstop Lourdes Gourriel.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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
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
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, JSOnline and HardballTalk