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1:10 PM 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
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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 …
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’
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: FanGraphs Baseball
RELATED:
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:   Yankees like versatile Brandon Drury for third base job
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
Brandon Drury is an upside play at just the right price
Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors
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 …
RELATED:
ESPN:
OF Cameron Maybin signs 1-year deal with Marlins  —  The Miami Marlins announced they have signed outfielder Cameron Maybin to a one-year deal.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  Marlins manager Don Mattingly says Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper should not be critiquing Miami's offseason moves.
USA Today:   Marlins sign veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin to a one-year deal
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Anthony Rizzo on MLB teams wearing Stoneman Douglas caps on Friday: 'It's awesome'  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was pleased to learn that all 30 major-league teams will wear Stoneman Douglas High School baseball caps to honor the 17 people who died in a shooting last week at his alma mater.
RELATED:
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Agent Scott Boras stays course, calling free agent system ‘upside-down’
Associated Press:
Notebook: Padres' Hosmer to wear No. 30 to honor Ventura
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 …
RELATED:
USA Today:   Cubs offseason report: Rotation formidable with addition of Yu Darvish
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Kris Bryant all about the art of the World Series ring, not individual honors
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.
RELATED:
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Dodgers offseason report: Quiet winter, yet still powerful club  —  A year after spending $192 million to retain veterans Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner and Rich Hill, the Dodgers have had a quiet offseason.  Their loudest move, acquiring Matt Kemp for a four-player package that included Adrian Gonzalez …
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 …
RELATED:
Daniel Popper / New York Daily News:
Astros' Forrest Whitley, one of MLB's top pitching prospects, suspended 50 games for violating drug policy  —  Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has been suspended 50 games without pay for violating the minor-league drug policy, the commissioner's office announced Wednesday.
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.
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
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
USA Today:
Baseball Hall of Famer, Giants legend Orlando Cepeda in critical condition  —  Baseball Hall of Famer and San Francisco Giants legend Orlando Cepeda is in critical condition in a Bay Area hospital, the club said in a statement on Wednesday.  —  He was hospitalized late Monday due to what the club described as a “cardiac incident.”
 
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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
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Garcia is emulating Descalso
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
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Gary Sanchez swings away with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge
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
Stephen Ruiz / Orlando Sentinel:
Players with ties to World Series teams seek fresh starts with Braves
Discussion: Talking Chop
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
 

 
From WeSmirch:

Tamantha Ryan / Page Six:
50 Cent's ex Daphne Joy accuses him of rape, physical abuse amid Diddy lawsuit drama — but he denies it

People:
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Announces Separation from Husband 3 Months After Prison Release

The East Hampton Star:
March 18, 2024  —  An actress whose career included both film and television credits …

 
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