Top News:
Los Angeles Times:
Josh Hamilton's future rests with arbitrator as panel splits on rehab treatment — An arbitrator will have to break a split decision about how to handle Josh Hamilton. — A four-person panel, which was to determine whether the Angels outfielder should enter a rehabilitation program for substance abuse …
Discussion:
The Big Lead, HardballTalk, Halos Heaven, CBSSports.com, Sporting News Feed RSS and MLB Trade Rumors
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Fox Sports:
MLB's decision on Josh Hamilton could come as early as next week — FOX Sports — An arbitrator will be needed to decide Josh Hamilton's punishment. — A decision by Major League Baseball on discipline for Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is expected before Opening Day and could come …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, HardballTalk and CBSSports.com
ESPN:
Report: Arbitrator to make Hamilton rehab call
Report: Arbitrator to make Hamilton rehab call
Discussion:
HardballTalk and baseballmusings.com
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Regarding outfielder's reported relapse, director talks about ‘life concerns’ vs. baseball ones
Regarding outfielder's reported relapse, director talks about ‘life concerns’ vs. baseball ones
Discussion:
Associated Press and Gonzo and ‘The Show’
Phil Rogers / MLB.com:
Ethier must prove his worth in crowded outfield — Andre Ethier's offensive production dropped in 2014 and he may have to bounce back in a platoon role because of his struggles with lefties — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Andre Ethier got it right. — He wasn't making waves or creating problems …
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Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers have offered to pay down “about half” the $56 million remaining over three years on Andre Ethier's contract in efforts to trade him, sources familiar with the talks say. — Ethier appears to be the likely odd man out in a slightly less crowded Dodgers outfield situation …
Discussion:
HardballTalk, Sporting News Feed RSS and MLB Trade Rumors
Daryl Van Schouwen / Chicago:
Jose Quintana sharp for White Sox in Cactus opener
Jose Quintana sharp for White Sox in Cactus opener
Discussion:
South Side Sox and Yahoo Sports
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs To Sign Phil Coke — The Cubs have agreed to sign left-handed reliever Phil Coke to a minor league deal, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (Twitter links). Coke turned down at least one MLB offer, per the report. — Coke, 32, will give Chicago another southpaw option to pair with Felix Doubront in the pen.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Bucs Dugout
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Phil Coke “Very Close” To Deal With Unknown Team — Left-handed reliever Phil Coke is “very close” to signing a deal and getting into camp, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports on Twitter. He is expected to have a contract by tomorrow, per the report.
Discussion:
Metsblog, HardballTalk and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
‘Boring’ Cardinals know how to win — JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals are the team the tabloids and shock-jock shows love to hate. — You looking for a juicy quote? Maybe stir up a little controversy? Sorry, wrong camp. — You looking for pizzazz, a little flair, or at least someone to brag about themselves?
Discussion:
HardballTalk and The Good Phight
NY Daily News:
Zack Wheeler, Mets have something to prove against Nationals this season — PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler was talking about how much fun it will be matching up against the Nationals this season, when suddenly he turned the conversation in a direction that suggests the Mets are itching …
Discussion:
Metsblog and Federal Baseball
Ken Davidoff / New York Post:
‘I thought the bat looked slow’: Scouts on A-Rod — The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez at bat in the 6th inning Wednesday. — TAMPA — If this were opening night of a Broadway play, it might not reach a second show. — “I thought the bat looked slow,” a scout in attendance said.
Discussion:
Sporting News Feed RSS
Associated Press:
Hosmer, Morales, Rios Power Royals to 13-2 Win Over Rangers — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Eric Hosmer and Royals newcomers Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios hit consecutive first-inning homers, and AL champion Kansas City routed the Texas Rangers 13-2 on Wednesday in the spring training opener for both teams.
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Andy McCulloughthe / Kansas City Star:
Royals pitcher Tim Collins to undergo MRI after leaving game with elbow injury
Royals pitcher Tim Collins to undergo MRI after leaving game with elbow injury
Discussion:
Royals Review
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Pair among arms vying for two spots on starting staff — 3/4/15: Anthony DeSclafani discusses his approach and details his game plan during his Spring Training debut in a 4-2 loss vs. the Indians — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians and Reds had their rotation competitions on display on Wednesday afternoon …
Discussion:
Cincinnati.com and Redleg Nation
Zach Buchanan / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks ideal bullpen may wait until after Opening Day — Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale has an idea of who fits into his bullpen. The problem is, most of those relievers are in the training room right now. — Only two healthy players are considered virtual locks for a spot …
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Ross, Montero and Castillo capable of handling Lester, rotation — Cubs manager Joe Maddon is impressed with what he has seen so far this spring with Jon Lester and his relationship with catcher David Ross — MESA, Ariz. — Joe Maddon named Jon Lester as the Opening Night starter.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation