As compensation for Choo, SS prospect deftly handles first pro season, position switch  —  2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Alex Blandino has a solid approach at the plate and the ability to hit anywhere in the outfield  —  CINCINNATI — Although the Reds didn't want him to leave as a free agent …

FOX And MLB In Talks That Could See Nearly 40% Of All Streamed Game Broadcasts Blackout Free  —  In a move that could affect nearly 40 percent of all broadcasts during the regular season, Major League Baseball and FOX have been in discussions that would see streamed games from FOX regional sports networks without any blackouts.

All-Star Game To Be Awarded By Bid, Manfred Says  —  New MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he intends to award the All-Star Game with a bidding process, rather than alternating leagues as has been the practice generally every season since the game was put in place in 1933.

At least 10 candidates for position, with no clear favorite heading into Spring Training  —  9/14/14: Michael Choice's first career triple plates a run in the 2nd inning, giving the Rangers an early lead  —  ARLINGTON — This may be the mother of all Spring Training competitions.

Jon Niese feeling good about shoulder - and Mets' chances in 2015  —  No longer experiencing pain ‘like there are knives in my (left) shoulder,’ Niese is happy to be part of a pitching staff that could have as many as seven or eight starters competiting for five rotation spots.

Righty knew club couldn't keep everyone, says he maximized his worth  —  Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski phones in to Hot Stove to discuss the 2015 club and how they will replace Max Scherzer  —  DETROIT — At some point two years ago, Max Scherzer said, he and fellow Tigers starter …

Lions' Bush denies involvement in Darren Sharper case  —  The lawyer for Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush said he denies allegations made in a Louisiana courtroom recently that he gave ecstasy to women while hanging out with accused rapist Darren Sharper in Las Vegas.

Hector Olivera Hits Two Home Runs At Open Showcase Game  —  Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera made another strong statement today at his second open showcase.  —  Playing in a game at the Dominican air force base, the righthanded-hitting Olivera hit two home runs, including one to left-center field in his first at-bat.

Amaro: Phils among clubs interested in Moncada  —  Matt Yallof, Ron Darling and Tom Verducci discuss the potential of Yoan Moncada and what impact he could have on an MLB team  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies need to inject more youth into their system, so they have not stopped trying to trade Cole Hamels …

Experimental rules to be used during 2015 NIT include 30-second shot clock  —  Men's basketball teams selected to play in the 2015 Postseason NIT will compete using experimental rules, including a 30-second shot clock and a four-foot restricted-area arc.  The rules will be in effect for all 31 games of the tournament.

Steeler Le'Veon Bell gets probationary period for drug charges  —  Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was admitted into a court program this morning that, if completed successfully, will lead to the marijuana charges filed against him last summer being dismissed.

Tigers' Martinez suffers knee injury, will have surgery  —  Detroit Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski has talked with Victor Martinez's agent this off-season.  —  They talked again on Tuesday.  But this time, the news wasn't good.  —  Just a few months after signing a four-year …

Arizona Diamondbacks honor graduates at Dominican ceremony  —  Five young men will don caps and gowns atop Diamondbacks uniforms on Friday morning in the Dominican Republic, where club officials will present them with high school diplomas.  —  They represent the first graduating class …

Ben Cherington believes Red Sox are done building this winter  —  Ben Cherington has built his team, and he's ready to take it to spring training.  —  Speaking on a conference call Thursday after signing left-hander Wade Miley to a three-year deal, $19.25 million deal with an option for 2018 …