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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Reuters, USA Today, Twinkie Town, Deadspin, Yahoo Sports and Sportsnet.ca
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Associated Press:
MLB players' union agrees to pitchless intentional walks — NEW YORK (AP) - The players' association has agreed to Major League Baseball's proposal to have intentional walks without pitches this year. — While the union has resisted many of MLB's proposed innovations, players are willing to accept the intentional walk change.
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca, baseballmusings.com and McCovey Chronicles
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):
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NBCSports.com, MLB Daily Dish, Bleacher Nation, Cubs Insider, Bluebird Banter, Over the Monster, Bleed Cubbie Blue and Yahoo Sports
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Manfred gets confrontational over MLB union's resistance to pace-of-play changes
Discussion:
Minor League Ball
Yonhap News Agency:
Fine sought for Pirates' Kang Jung-ho over DUI charges — South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday sought a 15 million won (US$13,117) fine against the Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho for driving under the influence of alcohol. — The Seoul Central District Court held a hearing …
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and CBS Pittsburgh
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Next stop on Ian Desmond's journey is first base for the Rockies — SCOTTSDALE, Az. - It's 7:45 a.m. on Field R8 at the Rockies' spring-training complex, nearly two hours before the team's workout will begin. — Field R8 actually is a half-field, designed for infield practice.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, MLB Trade Rumors and Purple Row
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs close door on possibility of Sammy Sosa return — Photos of former Cubs and White Sox slugger Sammy Sosa. — Chicago Tribune — Whatever chance Sammy Sosa had of reconciling with the Cubs apparently is over. — According to multiple sources, Sosa's comments in an interview …
Discussion:
FanRag Sports and CBS Chicago
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, Halos Heaven, Deadspin and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Matt Breen / Philly.com:
Phillies prospect Victor Arano shut down for spring training with elbow injury — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Victor Arano, a Phillies pitching prospect with an electric arm, will likely miss the remainder of major-league spring training after suffering an elbow injury.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
Tampa Bay Times:
Bucs QB Jameis Winston: ‘I would love to have DeSean’ — ESPN's Josina Anderson reported Tuesday that the Bucs were a “possible destination” for free-agent receiver DeSean Jackson, citing an “existing rapport” that he has with Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston.
Discussion:
FanRag Sports and ProFootballTalk
Adam Berry / MLB.com:
Hanrahan to serve as coach for Class A club — BRADENTON, Fla. — Joel Hanrahan is back with the Pirates. — Hanrahan, a former Bucs closer, will serve as an assistant pitching coach for the short-season Class A West Virginia Black Bears. Hanrahan announced his retirement in November …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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 …
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ESPN, Camden Chat, The Nats Blog, Yahoo Sports, Federal Baseball 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.
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Bless You Boys
