Top News:
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Sources: Rougned Odor expected to sign multi-year extension with Rangers — SURPRISE, Ariz. - It has become a big week for Rangers who were teammates on the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic. — Albeit, it's about to be much bigger for Rougned Odor than Robinson Chirinos.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, FanRag Sports, Beyond the Box Score, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Daily Dish and Baseball Think Factory
RELATED:
Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers Close To Extension With Rougned Odor — The Rangers are “increasingly optimistic” of finalizing a contract extension with second baseman Rougned Odor before Spring Training is over, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. The deal “may only be lacking formalities” at this point.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and Sportsnet.ca
Tampa Bay Times:
10 things we think we know about Rays as season approaches — PORT CHARLOTTE — With the season opener — finally — just a week from today, there are things we know for sure about the Rays. — Chris Archer is pumped to make his third straight opening day start.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Roger Mooney / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays journal: Jake Bauers leaves with a bang as he heads to minor-league camp
Rays journal: Jake Bauers leaves with a bang as he heads to minor-league camp
Discussion:
DRaysBay
ESPN:
Gimme some glove! Forecasting MLB's best, worst fielders — Defense has been making news even earlier than usual this spring thanks to the World Baseball Classic. Most notably, Adam Jones' incredible home run robbery of Orioles teammate Manny Machado helped Team USA defeat the Dominican Republic and advance to the WBC semifinals.
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John Harper / New York Daily News:
Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo give Mets incredible pitching depth — PORT ST. LUCIE — Spring training has confirmed what the decision-makers believed their eyes told them last September: Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo are the real thing, and combined with a return to health of the more touted starters …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets manager Terry Collins raves about Robert Gsellman after fourth start of spring
Mets manager Terry Collins raves about Robert Gsellman after fourth start of spring
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Trading Matt Szczur could give Cubs more flexibility on opening day roster — Photos of Joe Maddon, the 2015 NL Manager of the Year. — Chicago Tribune — Manager Joe Maddon stresses emphatically that Cubs backup outfielder Matt Szczur is a bona fide major-league player.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and Cubs Insider
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers' Darvish trending toward Opening Day start — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Yu Darvish allowed only one earned run on four hits in six innings Friday afternoon in a Triple A game and appears to be headed to his first Opening Day assignment with the Texas Rangers.
Discussion:
WFAA-TV, Lone Star Ball and MLB Daily Dish
SportsDayDFW com / Dallas Morning News:
Michael Irvin: Ezekiel Elliott needs to understand ‘the enormity of everything surrounding him’ — Cowboys Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin joined KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan recently. Here are some highlights. — What the heck is going on with Romo? — Michael Irvin: If I'm a Houston fan …
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk and FanRag Sports
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Tigers Place Mark Lowe On Release Waivers — The Tigers have placed reliever Mark Lowe on unconditional release waivers, reports Jason Beck of MLB.com (Twitter link). The right-hander is due a $5.5MM salary this year, so he'll likely clear waivers and become a free agent.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Matt Gelb / Philly.com:
Phillies could pursue a trade to ease roster crunch — FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Phillies slogged here Saturday on a 300-mile, round-trip bus ride for yet another nine-inning audition to see who might fill the fringes of the roster. They have evaluated those in camp for six weeks now …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Phillies Nation
Jeff Passan / Yahoo Sports:
Sources: Indians finalizing four-year extension with Jose Ramirez — Versatile infielder Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Indians are finalizing a four-year contract extension that will guarantee him upward of $30 million, sources familiar with the deal told Yahoo Sports.
Discussion:
Plain Dealer, MLB Trade Rumors, Let's Go Tribe, NBCSports.com, Beyond the Box Score, MLB Daily Dish and FanRag Sports
ESPN:
Giants' Will Smith to have Tommy John surgery, to miss season — San Francisco Giants reliever Will Smith said Friday he will have Tommy John surgery next week, meaning he will miss the 2017 season. — The left-hander, who was projected to pitch the eighth inning for the Giants this season …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball