Top News:
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
Bryce Harper says his focus is on 2018 — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Bryce Harper isn't talking about the future. — On Monday afternoon, Harper addressed reporters for the first time this spring training and refused to discuss anything beyond the upcoming season.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Speculation on Bryce Harper's future begins now — with or without his help — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — It's the hot topic that will burn all season in baseball's consciousness, but since we live in such an impatient society, no one wants to wait for the drama to unfold before knowing the ending.
Jorge Castillo / Chicago Tribune:
Bryan Harper, Bryce's older brother, is out to make a name for himself with Nationals
Bryan Harper, Bryce's older brother, is out to make a name for himself with Nationals
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Limited visits to the mound will expand Cardinals' use of signals, tempo changes — JUPITER, Fla. • Each morning, at what Cardinals manager Mike Matheny calls “Catcher University,” one of the topics taught is signals and impromptu sign language. — There have been times during games …
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New York Daily News:
MLB limits mound visits, decides against pitch clock for 2018 — Major League Baseball imposed stricter limits on mound visits by players in an effort to speed up games but decided against 20-second pitch clocks for 2018. — After more than a year of negotiations, the Major League Baseball …
USA Today:
MLB: No pitch clock in 2018, but mound visits, warm-up times limited — Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association reached agreement on pace-of-play initiatives that will not include a pitch clock, ending a year of tension since Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated a strong preference to cut down average time of games.
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Kevin Kiermaier sounds off on Rays' weekend moves: ‘I am 100 percent frustrated and very upset’ — Standout CF Kevin Kiermaier made very clear Monday what he thought of the Rays' weekend decisions to part ways with veteran OF/DH Corey Dickerson and RHP Jake Odorizzi:
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, USA Today and FanRag Sports
RELATED:
ESPN:
Kevin Kiermaier on Rays' recent moves: ‘I am 100 percent frustrated and very upset’
Kevin Kiermaier on Rays' recent moves: ‘I am 100 percent frustrated and very upset’
Discussion:
Tampa Bay Times, Camden Chat and DRaysBay
Tom Schad / USA Today:
Kevin Kiermaier slams Rays for latest roster moves
Kevin Kiermaier slams Rays for latest roster moves
Discussion:
Minor League Ball, DRaysBay and ESPN
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Heyman | JD Martinez closing in on deal with Red Sox — Free agent outfielder J.D. Martinez is moving closer to a deal with the Boston Red Sox, a source close to the situation has informed FanRag Sports. However, because the deal has yet to be finalized, the specifics surrounding such a pact have yet to come to light.
Discussion:
Sporting News, NBCSports.com, NESN.com and Lone Star Ball
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks: Spring Training 2018
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Back to business for Cubs, Tom Ricketts; Anthony Rizzo returns to camp — Chicago Tribune — Monday marks the first full-squad workout for the Chicago Cubs, but there will be two significant developments. — First, Chairman Tom Ricketts is scheduled to address the team prior to the workout.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic:
Dodgers: 2017 season to remember … Despite winning 104 games, the most in their 60 seasons of playing in Los Angeles, capturing their fifth consecutive NL West championship and advancing to the NL Championship Series for the third time in five years, the Dodgers still probably …
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Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Yankees GM Brian Cashman: ‘I need another ring’ — TAMPA, Fla. — The ring's the thing. — “Find a way to win the next one,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Monday morning, as his club's first full-squad workout began. “I need another ring.”
RELATED:
Associated Press:
AP source: Tillman, Orioles agree to $3M, 1-year deal — SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says pitcher Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract. — The deal includes performance bonuses, the person told …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Yoenis Cespedes made these three changes to his workout routine — and the Mets slugger still wants to be MVP — PORT ST. LUCIE — Yoenis Cespedes needs a yoga studio in New York. The Mets slugger would also like someone to do yoga with this season. These are important requests if the Mets …
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ESPN:
Veteran reliever Peter Moylan agrees to deal to return to Braves — The Atlanta Braves have reached a deal with veteran reliever Peter Moylan, a source told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. — Moylan, 39, tied for the American League lead with 79 appearances last season for the Kansas City Royals and had a 3.49 ERA in 59 1/3 innings.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Miguel Andujar wants to start at third base for Yankees, but he must improve his defense first — TAMPA — Miguel Andujar feels ready for a full-time role with the Yankees. — Whether he gets one depends on his glove — and possible future personnel decisions.
Maria Torres / Kansas City Star:
Now 20 pounds lighter, Jorge Soler will fight for an outfield job with Royals — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — At times throughout the offseason, Royals outfielder Jorge Soler would park himself in front of the refrigerator in his suburban Miami home, open the door and never reach for anything.
Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera: 'I'm just here to play baseball' — The Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers reported for the first day on the Spring Training season at Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland FL. Wednesday February 14, 2018. Kirthmon F. Dozier Detroit Free Press Wochit
Rich CiminiESPN / ESPN:
Jets poised to reboot at QB, with Kirk Cousins their focal point — With free agency approaching (March 14), we're analyzing each position on the New York Jets' roster and examining possible upgrades: — Position: Quarterback — 2018 cap hits of top returnees: — Pending free agents: Josh McCown
Discussion:
Cards Wire, ProFootballTalk, FanRag Sports and NESN.com
Zach Buchanan / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds notes: Billy Hamilton unfazed by trade speculation — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - This past winter was not the first time that Billy Hamilton ever has heard his named included in trade speculation. But it certainly was the most often he's heard it. The Cincinnati Reds center fielder …
Discussion:
Red Reporter
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds: Robert Stephenson and Sal Romano, friends off the field, competitors on it — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Robert Stephenson and Sal Romano are taking that friendly competition thing to a new level. They aren't tossing darts or playing 18 holes for bragging rights.