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T.R. Sullivan / Postcards From Elysian Fields:
Jurickson Profar to have surgery — Jurickson Profar had been throwing out to 105 feet with no major discomfort. He has been having MRIs every 3 weeks to monitor his situation. The MRI taken on Tuesday in Arlington showed increased strain on the subscapularis muscle in his right shoulder from the previous MRI.
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Jurickson Profar To Undergo Shoulder Surgery — 3:17pm: The specific reason for Profar's surgery will be to repair a torn labrum, tweets Andro. — 2:58pm: Rangers top prospect Jurickson Profar, who missed the entire 2014 season after twice tearing a muscle in his shoulder …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Bob Nightengale / Associated Press:
Cole Hamels on Phillies: Winning ‘not going to happen here’ — TAMPA - The words flow out of Cole Hamels' mouth without hesitation, equivocation, or the slightest tinge of remorse. — He wants to be traded from the Philadelphia Phillies. — This is not a threat. — He is not demanding a trade.
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Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Return to form could benefit slugger, club; health status of Lee also a big factor
Return to form could benefit slugger, club; health status of Lee also a big factor
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
George A. King III / New York Post:
Yankees give Cuban phenom Moncada secret 2nd workout — TAMPA — The Yankees took a second look at Yoan Moncada early Wednesday evening during a George M. Steinbrenner Field workout, The Post has learned. — Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the 19-year-old free agent …
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Andy McCulloughthe / Kansas City Star:
The K Zone — The key to the composition of the Royals bullpen is both a familiar face and an unknown commodity. They retained Luke Hochevar because they trusted his potential for dominance as a reliever, but his readiness on Opening Day as he returns from Tommy John surgery is still a mystery.
Discussion:
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks' new TV deal believed to be worth more than $1 billion — The Diamondbacks became the latest team to cash in on baseball's exploding local television market, agreeing to remain with Fox Sports Arizona under a contract that's believed to be worth in excess of $1 billion.
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Joe Frisaro / Associated Press:
Member of 2003 World Series title team holds MLB record for pinch-hits — Lenny Harris was a .269 hitter over the course of his 18-year Major League career. — MIAMI — Another part of the Marlins' 2003 World Series championship squad is joining Miami's big league coaching staff.
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Comcast SportsNet:
Red Sox begin preliminary extension talks with Farrell — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Traditionally, the Red Sox have used spring training as a time to begin contract extension talks with some of their players. It happened last year with David Ortiz; the year before, the groundwork began …
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Mike Foltynewicz / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Position battles, compelling storylines at Braves spring training — STORY HIGHLIGHTS — Braves pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Friday. — Platoons figure to be utilized far more extensively by the Braves than in recent years. — The Braves traded away three …
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Talking Chop
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Lackey aiming for World Series trifecta — JUPITER, Fla. • Cardinals veteran John Lackey posted a double-figure win total last year for the 12th consecutive season in which he has been healthy at the big-league level. — Excluding the 2012 season, which he missed for Boston …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Tigers' Verlander ‘way ahead of the curve’ early this spring — LAKELAND, Fla. - Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander's spring is going really well. — He feels good. His arm feels great. — “Obviously, I'm way ahead of the curve, especially opposed to last year,” …
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FanGraphs Baseball
Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com:
Pitcher remains unconscious and in critical condition in a Venezuelan hospital — 2014 MLB.com Top Prospects: Victor Sanchez throws plenty of strikes, keeping the ball down in the zone consistently — Mariners pitching prospect Victor Sanchez showed signs of improvement on Wednesday …
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