Top News:
USA Today:
Cubs offseason report: Rotation formidable with addition of Yu Darvish — The Cubs didn't repeat as World Series champions in 2017 after ending their 108-year title drought the previous season. But they did win a second consecutive National League Central title, reaching the NL Championship Series …
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Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Kris Bryant says big changes needed in CBA - and he's ready to fight for them — MESA, Ariz. - Kris Bryant is four seasons from a free agent payday, years removed from the action - or inaction - that occurred this winter, when the market was depressed for superstars and role players alike.
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks: Spring Training 2018 … For all intents and purposes, Steven Souza Jr. will be taking the place of J.D. Martinez in right field, but, unsurprisingly, the Diamondbacks' new slugger isn't really looking at it that way. — “Sure, if I can hit 29 homers in a half, that would be great,” Souza said.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit and FanGraphs Baseball
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USA Today:
Retreating Rays, Carlos Gomez agree to one-year, $4 million deal — In a week that saw the Tampa Bay Rays sell off most of their valuable assets, the club added a former two-time All-Star to the mix. — Carlos Gomez and the Rays agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
Discussion:
Sporting News, MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays trade team MVP Steven Souza Jr. in three-team deal that nets prospects
Rays trade team MVP Steven Souza Jr. in three-team deal that nets prospects
Discussion:
DodgerBlue.com and MLB Trade Rumors
Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw have ‘open dialogue’ with his opt-out looming — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has said he isn't thinking about the clause in his contract which allows him to opt out and become a free agent next fall. — It would be unwise for the Dodgers' front office to take such an approach.
Discussion:
DodgerBlue.com
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
7 things we learned about the MLB's new pace-of-play rules — and walk-up music — Chicago Tribune — You learn something new every day. — Here are some things I learned from Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre Tuesday during the MLB media day at the Glendale Civic Center. — Deadening dead time
Janie McCAuley / Associated Press:
New MLB rule: Pitching change a must for 7th mound visit by coach or manager — Managers or coaches must make a pitching change if they head to the mound for the seventh time in a game under baseball's new pace of play rules. — Commissioner Rob Manfred and executive Joe Torre explained …
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune and MLB Baseball News …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Martinez will get advance peek at Mets — JUPITER, Fla. _ Staff ace Carlos Martinez, the presumptive opening day starter for the Cardinals in New York on March 29, will get an advance look at the Mets on Saturday when he starts the second exhibition game of the spring at Port St. Lucie, Fla.
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Associated Press:
Outfielder Maybin signs 1-year contract with Marlins — JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Outfielder Cameron Maybin has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins, rejoining the team where he played in 2008-10. — Maybin gives the young, rebuilding Marlins much-needed experience …
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Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Anthony Rizzo on MLB teams donning Stoneman Douglas caps: 'It's awesome' — MESA, Ariz. - Anthony Rizzo took an unscheduled round trip from Chicago Cubs camp to his high school alma mater in Florida, where he delivered an emotional address to grieving students and community members.
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ESPN:
When will Tim Tebow play in the majors? — Is Tim Tebow a major leaguer? According to New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the former NFL quarterback is all but bound for the bigs. — “Somebody asked me whether I think he'll be a major league player at some point,” Alderson said Sunday.
John Healy / New York Daily News:
Openly gay Billy Bean says continued dialogue with former Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy led to a friendship — Former MLB player Billy Bean, who is openly gay, says Daniel Murphy's views have evolved since he considered Bean's sexual orientation a “lifestyle” in 2015.
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Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
Daniel Murphy trying to get knee 100 percent healthy before return
Daniel Murphy trying to get knee 100 percent healthy before return
Discussion:
Sporting News, Associated Press, Federal Baseball and baseballmusings.com
Tom Schad / USA Today:
Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley suspended 50 games for violating drug policy — Houston Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, has been suspended 50 games for violating the league's drug prevention and treatment program …
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Bob Brookover / Philly.com:
Cesar Hernandez's arrival as elite second baseman for Phillies might not prevent his departure — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Cesar Hernandez conceded that things are a little bit different at this Phillies spring training. For him, it has nothing to do with Jason Kelce's Monday morning speech …
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Associated Press:
Brewers owner Attanasio has eye on ending playoff drought — PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio says his team has the roster to end the franchise's seven-year postseason drought without having to make another move. — The Brewers exceeded expectations last year after finishing …
Discussion:
Minor League Ball and Brew Crew Ball
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Reds' single-game tickets on sale Saturday — Single-game tickets for 2018 Cincinnati Reds regular-season home games - excluding Opening Day - go on sale Saturday (Feb. 24) at 9 a.m. Eastern. — From Twitter via @Reds: — ON-SALE ALERT 2018 #Reds single game tickets will go on sale this Saturday, Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. EST!
David Haugh / Chicago Tribune:
Column: White Sox look ahead of schedule, but Rick Hahn still wisely sees need for patience — Chicago Tribune — To the untrained eye, White Sox prospects Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert provided several did-you-see-that moments during batting practice Tuesday at Camelback Ranch, confirming their prodigious power and enormous talent.
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
‘Lucky to be alive,’ Tyler Danish thrilled to start for White Sox in Cactus League opener — Chicago Tribune — In the grand scheme, it doesn't much matter who will start the White Sox's Cactus League opener against the Dodgers on Friday at Camelback Ranch. — To Tyler Danish, however, it means quite a bit.