Top News:
Billy Witz / New York Times:
W.B.C. Championship Will Be a Study in Contrasts — LOS ANGELES — This World Baseball Classic has taken the languid pastime of springtime baseball and turned it into something else, as if the game were being viewed through a fun house mirror. — It has had outrageous defense …
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CBS Detroit, ESPN, Associated Press, Let's Go Tribe, WDIV-TV, Los Angeles Times, NBCSports.com, The Good Phight, Dallas Morning News, CBS Chicago, Amazin' Avenue, Baseball America, Bleacher Nation, New York Daily News, Cubs Insider, Bless You Boys, Royals Review, Twinkie Town, Lookout Landing, The Big Lead, Sportsnet.ca and Bluebird Banter
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ESPN:
Yadier Molina demands apology for Adam Jones' comments about WBC party plans — Team captain Yadier Molina wants United States outfielder Adam Jones to apologize to Puerto Rico's players for saying they were planning a postgame party in San Juan before the World Baseball Classic championship game was even played.
Discussion:
Baltimore Sun, Royals Review, Halos Heaven and Fish Stripes
Keaton Moore / Fox Sports:
USA Shuts Out Puerto Rico to be Crowned the 2017 World Baseball Classic Champions
USA Shuts Out Puerto Rico to be Crowned the 2017 World Baseball Classic Champions
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus and baseballmusings.com
Fortune:
Theo Epstein — President, Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs Theo Epstein walks across Wrigley Field after a news conference. — In the fall of 2016, as partisan distrust and division reached abysmal depths, fascination with the Chicago Cubs became that all-too-rare phenomenon that united America.
Discussion:
Major League Baseball, CBS Boston, CBS Chicago, Bleacher Nation, Sportsnet.ca, Over the Monster and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mariners Option Dan Vogelbach To Triple-A — In a somewhat surprising move, the Mariners announced that first baseman Dan Vogelbach has been optioned to Triple-A. GM Jerry Dipoto told reporters (including Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times) that veteran Danny Valencia will be the Mariners' everyday …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing, U.S.S. Mariner and Yahoo Sports
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Joe Girardi may wait before naming Yankees fifth starter — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Joe Girardi said the Yankees may hold off on naming a fifth starter because of an off-day heavy schedule in April. — “It's possible,” the manager said. — The Yankees have five off-days in the first month …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Roger Mooney / Tampa Bay Times:
Chris Archer to start Rays' opener as rotation set — PORT CHARLOTTE — Chris Archer laid out his schedule for the rest of spring training Thursday morning. It included a three-inning outing Tuesday, and then? — “I'm not sure yet. I haven't done the math,” he said. — He was joking.
Discussion:
DRaysBay
Vince Lara-Cinisomo / Baseball America:
Longtime GM and Manager Dallas Green Dies — Dallas Green, the first Phillies manager to win a World Series and later the general manager who brought Ryne Sandberg to the Cubs, died Wednesday. He was 82. — A cause of death was not announced, but Green had been receiving dialysis treatment …
Discussion:
CSN Philly, Amazin' Avenue, The Good Phight and Yahoo Sports
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Frank Fitzpatrick / Philly.com:
Dallas Green, first Phillies manager to win the World Series, dies at 82
Dallas Green, first Phillies manager to win the World Series, dies at 82
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports and Phillies Nation
Roger Mooney / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays journal: Jake Bauers leaves with a bang as he heads to minor-league camp — INF/OF Jake Bauers left his calling card with a two-run double Thursday against the Yankees just hours after being told he was reassigned to minor-league camp. • Bauers, one of eight players reassigned …
Discussion:
DRaysBay
Eric D. WilliamsESPN / ESPN:
Philip Rivers on Chargers drafting a QB: He's going to sit for a while — SAN DIEGO — While the Los Angeles Chargers do their due diligence on this year's quarterback draft class, franchise quarterback, Philip Rivers has taken notice. — The Chargers held a private workout …
Discussion:
FanRag Sports and ProFootballTalk
Tampa Bay Times:
Stu Sternberg: Top choices for Rays new stadium are unavailable — PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg revealed some complications in his team's search for a new stadium on Thursday, yet said he's still confident they will find a new home in the Tampa Bay area.
Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Clayton Kershaw strikes out 11 Rangers as Dodgers roll — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Left-hander Clayton Kershaw struck out 11 batters in six scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers over the Rangers 10-2 Thursday evening at Surprise Stadium. — How Rangers pitchers fared: Dillon Gee was charged with seven runs …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets manager Terry Collins raves about Robert Gsellman after fourth start of spring — WEST PALM BEACH — It's a nice problem for Terry Collins to have, but it's still a problem. — With six days left in the Grapefruit League, the Mets have three pitchers to fill the final spot in their rotation.
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Giants Release Gordon Beckham — 5:05pm: The Giants have officially released Beckham, the club told reporters (including Andrew Baggarly of the Bay Area News Group). — 4:10pm: The Giants will release Gordon Beckham from his minor league contract with the club as per Beckham's request, MLBTR has learned.
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