Top News:
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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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
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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
Janie McCAuley / Associated Press:
New MLB rule: Pitching change a must for 7th mound visit by coach or manager
New MLB rule: Pitching change a must for 7th mound visit by coach or manager
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune and MLB Baseball News …
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, MLB Daily Dish and Lone Star Ball
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
‘Big Carp’ gets involved in all phases of Cardinals camp — JUPITER, Fla. • Chris Carpenter, voted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2016, officially is back with the organization as a special assistant to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.
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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.
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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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
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Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Brewers, hungry to end seven-year playoff drought, seized the offseason and expect to win — PHOENIX - The hearty group of tailgaters has been setting up shop at the Maryvale Baseball Park parking lot each of the last seven years, regardless of what the Milwaukee Brewers' prospects for the season look like.
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
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.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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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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John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Cody Reed has impressed the boss early in camp — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Left-hander Cody Reed is clearly the player who has most impressed the boss early at Reds camp. — Reds manager Bryan Price singled out Reed for the second time Thursday when asked which pitchers looked good.
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez trying to impart major league wisdom to Dominic Smith — PORT ST. LUCIE — Adrian Gonzalez isn't going to be working with Dominic Smith on his swing path anytime soon. The veteran first baseman won't be discussing launch angles either.
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!