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, HardballTalk and AZ Snake Pit
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:
Hot Stove, Beck's Blog and Bless You Boys
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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
MLB.com:
Mets Press Releases — Due to overwhelming demand, the New York Mets and Live Nation have announced that the Foo Fighters will perform a second show at Citi Field, Wednesday, July 15. Tickets will go on sale at Mets.com/FooFighters and by phone at (718) 507-TIXX this Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m.
Discussion:
Metsblog
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins slugger suffered facial fractures after being hit by a pitch in September — MLB Network Insider Peter Gammons checks in on Giancarlo Stanton, who is preparing for his toughest battle as a big leaguer — MIAMI — Physically and mentally, Giancarlo Stanton is ready …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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
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Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Hector Olivera Works Out For Top Braves Officials
Hector Olivera Works Out For Top Braves Officials
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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:
SBNation.com, MLB Trade Rumors and HardballTalk
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Designate Eric Fornataro For Assignment — The Nationals announced that they have designated right-hander Eric Fornataro for assignment in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for Casey Janssen, whose one-year deal is now official. — The Nats claimed the 27-year-old Fornataro off waivers …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
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 Hot Stove
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, MLB Daily Dish, HardballTalk, Red Reporter and Bucs Dugout
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
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
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
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
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Bullpen Notes: Cotts, Mujica, Brewers, Papelbon, K-Rod
Bullpen Notes: Cotts, Mujica, Brewers, Papelbon, K-Rod
Discussion:
The First Out At Third, Hot Stove and JSOnline