Top News:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Jenrry Mejia Gets Lifetime Ban After Third Positive PED Test — Mets reliever Jenrry Mejia has been banned permanently from the majors after his third positive PED test, according to a league announcement. Remarkably, Mejia tested positive for the banned substance boldenone after earning two suspensions just last year.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish and NESN.com
RELATED:
Tim Rohan / New York Times:
Mets Reliever Jenrry Mejia Permanently Barred From Major League Baseball — In what can be debated as an extraordinary feat of either stick-to-itiveness or poor judgment, Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia failed a doping test for a third time in a year, resulting in a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball.
Discussion:
New York Post and Fan Interference
Mark Feinsand / New York Daily News:
After alcohol rehab and family time, CC Sabathia ready for Yankees return — October was one of the most challenging months of CC Sabathia's life, as the Yankees' star pitcher addressed his alcohol problem with a stint in rehab. — With pitchers and catchers set to report to Tampa on Thursday …
Discussion:
New York Post, NBCSports.com and River Avenue Blues
RELATED:
Laura Albanese / Newsday:
CC Sabathia: Alcohol rehab couldn't wait until after postseason
CC Sabathia: Alcohol rehab couldn't wait until after postseason
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Baseball America:
Organization Talent Rankings: How They Line Up — As we continue our offseason prospect rankings, we line up the minor league talent in every organization from 1-30.
Discussion:
Chicago, Philliedelphia, Brew Crew Ball, Talking Chop, Dallas Morning News, redsminorleagues.com and Lone Star Ball
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Claim C.J. Riefenhauser, Designate Edgar Olmos — The Orioles announced today that left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser, who was designated for assignment when they acquired Odrisamer Despaigne from the Padres, has been claimed off waivers by the Cubs. To create roster space …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Bleed Cubbie Blue and Lone Star Ball
Chad Finn / Boston Globe:
Red Sox should be better than last year ... but are we sure they're going to be good? — And so that celebrated truck departed Van Ness Street Wednesday, destined for the sunshine of Fort Myers, Fla. and carrying an assortment of baseball equipment and necessities (400 pairs of socks!) …
Discussion:
WEEI, BostonGlobe.com, Boston Herald and Over the Monster
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Sign Blaine Boyer To Minor League Deal — The Brewers announced on Friday that they have signed right-hander Blaine Boyer to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. — Boyer, 34, spent the 2015 season in the Twins' bullpen and put …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
J. Scott Trubey / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Atlanta Braves, city clash over fate of Hank Aaron statue — For about three hours Wednesday, it looked like the statue of baseball hall of famer Hank Aaron would be staying in Atlanta. — The agency that owns Turner Field proudly announced it holds documents showing …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Talking Chop and Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Royals Reach Two-Year Extension With Mike Moustakas — The Royals are closing in on a two-year deal with third baseman Mike Moustakas, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports (Twitter links), with Jon Heyman tweeting that it's a done deal. He is expected to be guaranteed $14.3MM in the contract …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Daily Dish, Royals Review and Yahoo Sports
William Weinbaum / ESPN:
Pitchers to debut new protective headwear in spring training — Early in spring training, 20 big league pitchers are expected to receive newly designed protective headwear resulting from a collaboration between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Adam Himmelsbach / BostonGlobe.com:
Sources say Howard, Horford moves unlikely for Celtics — The Celtics are known as one of the more active and aggressive teams at the trade deadline and in free agency. And with their treasure chest of assets and their future salary flexibility, they are one of the few teams that would be in position to close most deals.
Discussion:
NESN.com and CBS Boston
Jesse Winker / Baseball America:
Top 100 Prospects: Nos. 51-100 — Prospect season never ends at Baseball America, but the Top 100 Prospects list is the natural demarcation line from one season to another. All of our countless conversations with scouts, coaches and team officials as well as many road trips over the past year have led to this list.
Discussion:
redsminorleagues.com and Red Reporter