Top News:
Rustin Dodd / Kansas City Star:
In looking for Hosmer replacement, Royals signal coming rebuild — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — As Eric Hosmer prepares for his first season in San Diego, the Royals are unlikely to search for his replacement on the free-agent market or seek a reunion with third baseman Mike Moustakas, general manager Dayton Moore said Sunday.
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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.
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:
Kansas City Star and 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
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Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Don't like Rays moves? You've got company in Longo — Evan Longoria has said pretty much all the right things since the Rays traded him in December to the Giants. — But the former franchise cornerstone felt strongly the Rays made the wrong move in designating for assignment Corey Dickerson …
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. …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Ben Zobrist feels good about his health, Cubs' chances — Chicago Tribune — Even Ben Zobrist can't say how many at-bats he'll wind up with this year, but the 36-year-old is sure of one thing: The Cubs' 2016 World Series hangover is over. — “I can tell you this,” Zobrist said Sunday.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Joe Maddon knows managing Cubs playing time won't be easy
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Mets GM Sandy Alderson confident in roster after adding Jason Vargas — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New acquisition Jason Vargas arrived to camp Sunday, and Mets general manager Sandy Alderson expects the lefty will be the last roster addition. — “With Jason signing, we're pretty much where we want to be …
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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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Andy McCullough / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers All-Star Cody Bellinger plans to avoid a sophomore slump … Cody Bellinger slipped through the netting of a Camelback Ranch batting cage and gazed at a pitching machine. Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward manned the contraption, which dolloped late spin onto each offering.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and DodgerBlue.com
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto says things need to turn around. — Sights from the third day of Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers working out in Goodyear, Arizona. Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — It's hard to draw a conclusion from the early days of spring training.
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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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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.
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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
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Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Latest On Pirates' Josh Harrison
Latest On Pirates' Josh Harrison
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout … and Pinstripe Alley
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.
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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
Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — LAKELAND, Fla. — The big man reported to spring training on Sunday afternoon. — Miguel Cabrera, the lone Detroit Tigers' superstar left standing, looked better than last season. He walked brisker and looked slimmer and said he felt as if the back issues that turned …
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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
Jorge Castillo / Chicago Tribune:
Bryan Harper, Bryce's older brother, is out to make a name for himself with Nationals — The Washington Post — Just before 10 a.m. Sunday, a player rushed over to Field 2 on the Washington Nationals' side of the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. He jogged alone, his spikes pounding the sidewalk.
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.