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11:55 AM ET, February 21, 2018

Ballbug

 Top News: 
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
RELATED:
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 …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:   Column: Pace-of-play changes will be a work in progress
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Mound visit rules troublesome to Cubs catcher Willson Contreras
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Wrigley Field's chances for All-Star Game: ‘Stay tuned’
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 …
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Yu Darvish makes quick favorable impression on new Cubs teammates  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After watching one of Yu Darvish's pitches during a batting-practice session Tuesday, Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber merely said, “Oh, God.”  —  “Insane,” Willson Contreras added after catching Darvish's …
Stephen Ruiz / Orlando Sentinel:
Players with ties to World Series teams seek fresh starts with Braves
Discussion: Talking Chop
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Kris Bryant all about the art of the World Series ring, not individual honors
Associated Press:   Astros' McCullers is back on mound with new rules in play
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Garcia is emulating Descalso  —  • When Greg Garcia arrived at his first big-league spring training, one of the established players from the other side of the clubhouse walked over and introduced himself as Daniel.  —  “Like I didn't know who he was,” Garcia said.
RELATED:
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 …
USA Today:
Marlins sign veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin to a one-year deal  —  The Miami Marlins addressed their depleted outfield that was drastically altered this offseason.  —  Cameron Maybin, 30, signed a one-year deal with the Marlins, the club announced Wednesday morning.
Associated Press:   Marlins counting on their oldest player to close
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Agent Scott Boras stays course, calling free agent system ‘upside-down’  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - The San Diego Padres took the unusual step of announcing the terms of Eric Hosmer's new eight-year, $144 million contract, which includes an opt-out clause after the fifth season, and pointed out it's the largest agreement in franchise history.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Notebook: Padres' Hosmer to wear No. 30 to honor Ventura
Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:   Eric Hosmer ready for leadership role with Padres, will wear No. 30 to honor Yordano Ventura
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.
Discussion: Associated Press
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals coach Maddux puts the up in upside  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • On his first day back with the first team, former closer Jason Motte got a quick look at a new level the Cardinals want to take their pitchers.  Mike Maddux, in his first weeks with his fourth team as pitching coach …
RELATED:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wainwright, Wacha to face Cardinals hitters  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Most of the Cardinals' prospective starters will throw their first batting practice sessions on Wednesday as the Cardinals get closer to the start of their exhibition schedule on Friday here against Miami.
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees Acquire Brandon Drury, D-Backs Acquire Steven Souza In Three-Team Trade With Rays  —  The Rays, Yankees and D-backs have agreed to a significant three-team trade that will send outfielder Steven Souza from Tampa Bay to Arizona, infielder/outfielder Brandon Drury from Arizona to New York and prospects to Tampa Bay.
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
Brandon Drury is an upside play at just the right price
Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors
John Harper / New York Daily News:
If AL East race is determined by trade deadline, Yankees have edge over Red Sox
Discussion: Over the Monster
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 …
RELATED:
Rob Tornoe / Philly.com:   Phillies spring training schedule: How to watch on TV, online stream
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: Brew Crew Ball
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Gary Sanchez swings away with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge  —  TAMPA, Fla. - The Show moved to Field 2 on Tuesday afternoon, with fans watching behind a chain link fence as Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge blasted batting practice pitches at Yankees camp.  —  Oh, and Gary Sanchez was in the hitting group again too.
RELATED:
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:   Greg Bird wants to become more reliable presence, and Yankees need him to be just that
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:   Aaron Boone ‘trying to contain’ his excitement about managing Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar
 
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 More News: 
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers notebook: Major team shift can be seen with one look around Texas' spring training clubhouse
David Murphy / Philly.com:
The clock is ticking on Maikel Franco | David Murphy
Nick Groke / Denver Post:
MLB's slow-playing free agent market drew Rockies' interest.  Jeff Bridich says he's looking into it.
Discussion: Purple Row and True Blue LA
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
Man vs. third base: The real battles of spring training for all 30 teams
Eduardo A. Encina / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles' continued pursuit for lefty outfield bat leading them to Colby Rasmus
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training early impressions: A totally different feel
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Hitters Group No. 4 — Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Micker Adolfo — hopes to become a Big 3 for White Sox
 Earlier Picks: 
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
What you see, likely what you will get for White Sox on opening day
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
Daniel Murphy trying to get knee 100 percent healthy before return
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Justus Sheffield, Chance Adams lead promising class of young Yankee arms
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
With Jason Vargas crowding rotation, Mets plan to start Zack Wheeler out of the bullpen: source
Ben Badler / Baseball America:
Julio Pablo Martinez Cleared To Sign
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Bronson Arroyo in Cincinnati Reds Spring Training camp - sort of
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Michael Conforto feeling confident in rehab, but Mets taking cautious approach
 

 
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People:
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Jeff Conway / Forbes:
Olivia Colman Reflects On Her Beloved Career: ‘I Have Been Very Lucky’

Ryan Gajewski / The Hollywood Reporter:
Melissa Barrera on Getting Fired From ‘Scream’ and the Controversy That Followed

 
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