Top News:
John LaRue / The Hardball Times:
The Kings of Pain — Much was made of baseball's championship droughts in 2016. That was the case all season long because of the Chicago Cubs' success, but the drought discussion doubled down when Cleveland sprinted through October to face the Cubs in the World Series.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Kyle Schwarber wants to catch, but will Cubs let him? — During an interview in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, the Cubs' Kyle Schwarber is ready to show he's healthy heading into the 2017 season. — Chicago Tribune — Confined to a 15-foot circle in the photo studio, Kyle Schwarber repeatedly simulated catching …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Looking back at '67 through Gibson's eyes — Cardinals teammates (from left) Lou Brock, Julian Javier and Bob Gibson celebrate their 1967 World Series championship after beating the Boston Red Sox 7-2 in Game 7 at Fenway Park. (AP Photo) — FOR A&E COVER 0920 - 1967 photo …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mariners Acquire Drew Smyly For Mallex Smith, Two Prospects — The Mariners have struck yet another two-deal day, as Seattle has announced the acquisition of lefty Drew Smyly from the Rays. Tampa Bay will pick up center fielder Mallex Smith — who was just added by Seattle in a trade with the Braves …
Discussion:
DRaysBay, thenewstribune, baseballmusings.com, Bleacher Nation and Yahoo Sports
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Braves Acquire Luiz Gohara & Thomas Burrows From Mariners For Mallex Smith & Shae Simmons — The Braves and Mariners have announced a trade involving younger assets. Atlanta will receive lefties Luiz Gohara and Thomas Burrows, while Seattle will pick up outfielder Mallex Smith and righty Shae Simmons.
Discussion:
Talking Chop, DRaysBay, MLB Daily Dish, Minor League Ball, Beyond the Box Score and Lone Star Ball
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Why did the Mariners trade touted pitching prospect Luiz Gohara? — Two scouts texted me Wednesday — unsolicited — after the Mariners traded one of their top pitching prospects, left-hander Luiz Gohara, to the Braves. — “Giving up Gohara, worst move EVER!!” the first scout said.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys, FanGraphs Baseball, CBS Atlanta and Lookout Landing
Travis Sawchik / FanGraphs Baseball:
Mariners Add Intriguing Arm in Shae Simmons — To keep us entertained during this lull of baseball activity, Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto keeps making trades — and he acquired an interesting bullpen arm in Shae Simmons on Wednesday. — In the trade, Seattle dealt …
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner and The Seattle Times
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Greg Holland has much interest, seeks unique deal — Free agent closer Greg Holland is seeking an unusual two-year deal with a one-year opt-out that could allow him to re-test a free agent market that showed a strong affinity for closers this winter. — Holland's interest in such a deal …
Discussion:
Redleg Nation, redsminorleagues.com, Brew Crew Ball, Federal Baseball, Royals Review, Washington Post and MLB Trade Rumors
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Yankees, Masahiro Tanaka have not discussed contract extension: Brian Cashman — Yankees GM Brian Cashman says he hasn't had any discussions with ace Masahiro Tanaka's representatives about a contract extension. — Tanaka, who is slated to make $22 million in 2017, can opt out of his deal at season's end.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
‘SCARY LITTLE THING’ — Tommy John, pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe and named for the first big leaguer to receive it, is a complete reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament using a graft. Since its first use, in 1974, Tommy John has been improved but remained largely unchanged as it became …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing and MLB Trade Rumors
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Rangers latest to look at Mark Trumbo — At a seeming impasse on talks involving Mike Napoli, the Rangers are the latest team to check in on Mark Trumbo, yet another big-time free slugger looking for a job. — Trumbo, who led the AL with 47 home runs, makes sense for Texas, which needs to replenish its offense.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball, MLB Trade Rumors and Dallas Morning News
Bob Klapisch / NorthJersey.com:
Backman says Mets have ‘blackballed’ him — Wally Backman will be managing in the Mexican League this summer, making sure to say he's “grateful” to have a job — any job — in the aftermath of an ugly parting with the Mets. Backman will be leaving for south of the border in about a month …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, NBCSports.com, Halos Heaven and baseballmusings.com