Top News:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays trade team MVP Steven Souza Jr. in three-team deal that nets prospects — PORT CHARLOTTE — Evan Longoria traded in December. Jake Odorizzi and Corey Dickerson dumped over the weekend. Then, in a stunning move Tuesday night, 2017 team MVP Steven Souza Jr. shipped to Arizona as part …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, MLB Baseball News …, Arizona Republic, DRaysBay, ESPN, MLB Trade Rumors and DodgerBlue.com
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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:
AZ Snake Pit and FanGraphs Baseball
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
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 …
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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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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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
Martinez will get advance peek at Mets
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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 and Minor League Ball
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Associated Press:
Colby Rasmus returns to baseball, signs with Orioles — SARASOTA, Fla. — Outfielder Colby Rasmus has decided to return to baseball after walking away last summer, and has signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. — Rasmus was in camp Wednesday to finish up his physical.
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Eduardo A. Encina / Baltimore Sun:
Orioles' continued pursuit for lefty outfield bat leading them to Colby Rasmus
Orioles' continued pursuit for lefty outfield bat leading them to Colby Rasmus
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish
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.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Former Braves star Orlando Cepeda in critical condition — Former Braves first baseman Orlando Cepeda is in critical condition in a San Francisco hospital after a cardiac incident. — The San Francisco Giants say the 80-year-old Hall of Famer was taken to a Bay Area hospital late Monday.
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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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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.
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Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Brian Cashman says Red Sox are still the AL East favorites: 'We're not on equal footing' — TAMPA — According to Brian Cashman, the Red Sox are still the team to beat in the AL East. — “They're the AL East champs, so we're not on equal footing,” Cashman said Wednesday. “We were the Wild Card.
Zach Buchanan / Cincinnati.com:
How David Hernandez rebuilt himself as a pitcher, and as a person — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - David Hernandez hit bottom on July 24 of 2013. — It had been a bad year. Previously a dangerous eighth-inning man for the Arizona Diamondbacks, his ERA was sitting a good two runs higher than the year before.
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mets giving first spring start to Zack Wheeler, who Mickey Callaway says is ‘definitely a starting pitcher’ — PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler will start the Mets' first spring training game. Mickey Callaway said Wednesday that he “definitely” sees the right-hander as a starter and getting …
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.