Top News:
ESPN:
Sources: MLB, union agree to use dugout signal for intentional walk — As part of its initiative to improve pace-of-game play, Major League Baseball has approved a change to the intentional walk rule, going from the traditional four-pitch walk to a dugout signal, team and union sources told ESPN's Howard Bryant.
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USA Today, Yahoo Sports, Twinkie Town, South Side Sox, Federal Baseball and Sportsnet.ca
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Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Latest On Potential MLB Rule Changes — 6:54pm: It now appears there will be one big change in 2017: MLB will switch to a dugout signal for intentional walks, team and union sources informed Howard Bryant of ESPN The Magazine (Twitter link). — 6:12pm: Clark has responded to Manfred's comments (via FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal):
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, NBCSports.com, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Bluebird Banter, Over the Monster, Bleacher Nation, Cubs Insider and Yahoo Sports
Jeff Passan / Yahoo Sports:
How baseball players are trying stem cells to avoid Tommy John — TEMPE, Ariz. - On the day he hoped would save his elbow, Garrett Richards laid face down on a table with his back exposed. A doctor guided a needle into the iliac crest of his pelvic bone and began to extract bone marrow.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, Deadspin, Minor League Ball, Halos Heaven and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Washington Post:
Nationals to sign Matt Wieters to one-year deal with 2018 option — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a deal with free agent catcher Matt Wieters on Tuesday, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation. The deal is for one year with a 2018 option …
Discussion:
ESPN, Camden Chat, The Nats Blog, Federal Baseball, Yahoo Sports and baseballmusings.com
Vince Lara-Cinisomo / Baseball America:
Umpires Hirschbeck, Davidson, Joyce, Welke Retire — Four longtime umpires—Bob Davidson, John Hirschbeck, Jim Joyce and Tim Welke—have retired, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday. — In their places, Adam Hamari, Pat Hoberg, Gabe Morales and Carlos Torres have been named to the full-time Major League Umpiring staff.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Orioles Acquire Richard Bleier, Designate Christian Walker — The Orioles have acquired lefty Richard Bleier from the Yankees, per a club announcement, with cash or a player to be named later heading back in return. Baltimore designated first baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment to create roster space.
Discussion:
Camden Chat and Yahoo Sports
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Sergio Romo finds himself at home in Dodgers blue — GLENDALE, Az. — Sergio Romo remembers a game early in his career when 30 of his friends and relatives showed up in the Giants' family section wearing Dodgers gear. — Giants manager Bruce Bochy called Romo into his office the next day and admonished him, half-jokingly.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Brewers Hope Eric Thames, Ruthian in South Korea, Has Crossover Power — PHOENIX — A package arrived recently for Eric Thames at Maryvale Baseball Park, the spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers. It was a fungo bat, thin-handled and light, a tool to help make his hands quicker.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Sports on Earth Writers
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Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Central Notes: Thames, Turner, Tigers
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Red Reporter and MLive.com
Josh Katzenstein / New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Sean Payton ‘absolutely’ expects Brandin Cooks to be with Saints in 2017 — Cooks 86-yd TD: Panthers at Saints 2016 — New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) scores on an 86-yard catch in the first quarter during the game between the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, October 16, 2016.
Discussion:
FanRag Sports and ProFootballTalk
ESPN:
Jimmy Garoppolo & DeSean Jackson — Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo discusses potential trade rumors and if he'd rather stay in New England until Brady retires or go somewhere else to be the starter. Plus, Redskins free agent WR DeSean Jackson on what he's looking for in a team and if he'd welcome a return to Philly.
Discussion:
It Is What It Is, FanRag Sports, ProFootballTalk and NESN.com
Darryl Slater / New York Jets Fan Blog:
Jets offer contract to N.J.'s K'Waun Williams, but he signs with 49ers, source says — K'Waun Williams (36) to the Jets? (Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) — The Jets offered a contract to free agent cornerback K'Waun Williams, a league source told NJ Advance Media.
Discussion:
FanRag Sports and ProFootballTalk
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks shift focus to defense behind plate … 2 — CONNECT — TWEET — LINKEDIN — COMMENT — EMAIL — MORE — When the Diamondbacks' Jeff Mathis describes the role of a catcher, he constructs an image that's equal parts leader, strategist, psychologist and athlete.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Quick Hits: Goold and Hummel on the Cards — A roundup of hot topics from our weekly chat, hosted by baseball writers Derrick Goold and Rick Hummel.
Marc Carig / Newsday:
Neil Walker contract talks with Mets hit a snag, sources say — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite recent meetings between Mets general manager Sandy Alderson and representatives for second baseman Neil Walker — talks that stoked optimism for getting a deal done — sources said on Monday morning …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, CBS New York and Amazin' Avenue
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets Insider: Neil Walker, club still talking a new three-year deal
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and Amazin' Avenue
