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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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 …
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
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Pace-of-play changes will be a work in progress
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.
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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 …
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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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
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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:
MLB Trade Rumors and DodgerBlue.com
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.
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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.
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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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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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
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 …
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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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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.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven, True Blue LA, Gaslamp Ball and DRaysBay
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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
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.
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.”
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …