Top News:
Associated Press:
MLB: Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres reach agreement on eight-year deal — Free agent first baseman Eric Hosmer has reached preliminary agreement on an eight-year contract with the San Diego Padres, pending a physical, a person with direct knowledge of the deal says.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Reports: Hosmer, Padres agree to 8-year, $144 million deal — Free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer has agreed to an eight-year, $144 million deal with the San Diego Padres, according to published reports Saturday night. — The 28-year-old, two-time Gold Glove winner hit a career-high .318 …
Keith LawESPN Senior / ESPN:
Law: Why the prospect-packed Padres spent too much on Eric Hosmer — The San Diego Padres' decision to sign Eric Hosmer to an eight-year deal — really a five-year deal for $105 million with a three-year player option for another $39 million at the end — is the most inexplicable move of the offseason.
Discussion:
Royals Review
Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Former Ray Evan Longoria gives thumbs-down to team's Dickerson decision — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Evan Longoria is in his first season as a San Francisco Giant after 10 years in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform, but he still follows his old organization from a new league and the opposite coast.
Discussion:
Associated Press and FanRag Sports
RELATED:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
What were Rays thinking in ditching Odorizzi, Dickerson, adding Cron?
Associated Press:
Rays send righty Jake Odorizzi to Twins for prospect
Rays send righty Jake Odorizzi to Twins for prospect
Discussion:
AaronGleeman.com and Bluebird Banter
Eduardo A. Encina / Baltimore Sun:
Are the Orioles a fit for just-designated outfielder Corey Dickerson?
Charlotte Carroll / Sports Illustrated:
Rays Trade Jake Odorizzi to Twins for Jermaine Palacios
Rays Trade Jake Odorizzi to Twins for Jermaine Palacios
Discussion:
DRaysBay, FanGraphs Baseball and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic:
Diamondbacks at spring-training practice … If a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat, seven-game World Series left you wanting more, get ready to settle into another beguiling baseball season. — Start it by seeing all that the Cactus League has in store. — Five of the past eight World Series champions …
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks looking to repeat last year's success … CONNECT — The Diamondbacks entered spring training a year ago preparing for the possibility of a rebuild. The feel entering camp this season is vastly different. — Fresh off a surprising 93-win season, the Diamondbacks are clear-cut contenders.
Andy McCullough / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers All-Star Cody Bellinger plans to avoid a sophomore slump
Dodgers All-Star Cody Bellinger plans to avoid a sophomore slump
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and DodgerBlue.com
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
With addition of Jason Vargas, Mets starters face heated battle for rotation spot — PORT ST. LUCIE — The stakes for losing out on a rotation spot are very clear in the Mets clubhouse. After announcing the two-year deal for lefty Jason Vargas Sunday, the Mets have two open spots in the rotation …
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Man of steal? Jose Abreu wants green light on basepaths — Chicago Tribune — White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu has pinpointed two ways in which he wants to improve this season: steal more bases and learn to speak some English. — Asked if more steals really is a goal for 2018, Abreu responded with a nod to that second goal.
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
In slow free-agent market, Chris Volstad grateful for White Sox call — Chicago Tribune — Chris Volstad has seen the list of remaining free agents and is grateful to have jumped at the White Sox's offer when they contacted the pitcher late last month. — “There are still a lot of guys …
ESPN:
Rangers nix deal with closer Seung Hwan Oh — The Texas Rangers have decided not to sign closer Seung Hwan Oh, after an issue arose over his physical exam, according to multiple reports. — The Dallas Morning News reported that the Rangers discovered “disconcerting issues” with the right-hander's arm when examining his MRI results.
RELATED:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
This characteristic makes Claudio a candidate to be Rangers closer
This characteristic makes Claudio a candidate to be Rangers closer
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
Angels sign veteran sluggers Chris Carter, Chris Young — TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran slugger Chris Carter and longtime outfielder Chris Young. — Carter got a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Sunday, while Young agreed to a one-year contract.
RELATED:
WTAE:
Josh Harrison wants to win, no matter what team he's playing on — BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - Josh Harrison is still with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his feelings aren't much different than they were a month ago. — Harrison spoke to reporters Sunday, the day before the first spring training workout for Pittsburgh's full squad.
Discussion:
DKPittsburghSports.com
RELATED:
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Latest On Pirates' Josh Harrison
Latest On Pirates' Josh Harrison
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout … and Pinstripe Alley
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings …:
Red Sox re-sign Eduardo Nunez for infield insurance — Boston Red Sox have re-signed infielder Eduardo Nunez to a one-year contract with a player option for 2019, giving them another proven second baseman to fill in while — Dustin Pedroia recovers from knee surgery.
Discussion:
The Drive and Dan Shaughnessy Watch
Tom Haudricourt / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Notes: After solid stint in winter ball, Junior Guerra out to show he's back in peak form — PHOENIX - Nothing has come easy in baseball for Junior Guerra, so it's not difficult to believe that one year after serving as the Milwaukee Brewers' opening day starter he is in a battle merely to make the club.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Anthony Rizzo's words carry more weight than ever — Chicago Tribune — When Anthony Rizzo left Cubs camp Wednesday, he was just another baseball player. — But that all changed with the shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carpenter, whose back is stiff, will work mostly at first base — JUPITER, Fla. • Matt Carpenter, programmed to play several positions this spring, will be spending most of his time defensively at first base when the Cardinals start their full-scale workouts on Monday.
David Murphy / Philly.com:
Keeping Scott Kingery in the minors is Phillies' best move | David Murphy — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Nothing gets the crowd's juices flowing like a righteously indignant polemic that rages against the evils of corporatist oppression, which is why baseball's annual service time dance …