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:
Deadspin, 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, CBSSports.com and HardballTalk
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:
Gonzo and ‘The Show’ and Associated Press
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:
CBSSports.com, 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
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
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Drew Magary / Deadspin:
Moron USA Today Columnist Thinks The Cardinals Poop Vanilla Sprinkles — You know, we usually wait until October here to dump on the Cardinals and have the entire city of St. Louis send us polite death threats. But Bob Nightengale ... oh, Bob Nightengale ... you forced my hand early, you abominable f**king hack.
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
Bill Price / NY Daily News:
Brian Cashman says Derek Jeter should be last Yankees captain — Derek Jeter was the longest tenured captain in the storied history of the Yankees. Brian Cashman thinks he should also be the last. — Speaking on The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN Radio Thursday, the Yankees general manager suggested …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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
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
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