Top News:
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
J.D. Martinez continuing physical at Red Sox spring training camp — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Considering it took four months for the Boston Red Sox and J.D. Martinez to get together, what's another day before they make things official? — Martinez arrived at the Red Sox's spring training facility Wednesday …
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Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Russell Wilson to show up at Yankees camp Monday — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will be joining the New York Yankees at their spring training camp in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, he said Thursday on his Instagram account. — He will be there for six days, leaving March 3 …
Discussion:
NESN.com, River Avenue Blues, Sporting News, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Seahawks Wire
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Brandon Drury says he grew up a Yankees fan, calls being in pinstripes ‘a dream come true’
Brandon Drury says he grew up a Yankees fan, calls being in pinstripes ‘a dream come true’
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Giancarlo Stanton won't hide from expectations - or fanfare - as a New York Yankee
Giancarlo Stanton won't hide from expectations - or fanfare - as a New York Yankee
Discussion:
Sporting News, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and New York Post
Shawn Windsor / Detroit Free Press:
How umpire at Detroit Tigers game is ready to break gender barrier — Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, designated hitter Victor Martinez and pitching prospect Alex Faedo work on their crafts in spring training in Lakeland, Fla. Video by Anthony Fenech/DFP Wochit
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Detroit News:
Next Slide — Lakeland, Fla. — Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire did something after the game Thursday that he would very rarely do in the regular season. He made a point of personally complimenting the home-plate umpire. — “Helluva job, very nice,” he said to Jen Pawol, one of two women umpiring in professional baseball.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com
Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — LAKELAND, Fla. — It was weird, Alex Wilson admitted. — For the first time in five years — save an emergency start with the Detroit Tigers in 2015 — the veteran right-hander came to the stadium on Thursday afternoon as a starting pitcher. — Admittedly, Wilson wasn't quite sure how to prepare.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Possibilities aplenty for Cardinals' infielder Wisdom — St. Louis Cardinals infielder Patrick Wisdom hits soft toss balls to warm up before facing live pitching during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
5 young pitchers to watch early in Mets camp — PORT ST. LUCIE - Everybody is waiting for Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom and Jason Vargas to make their Grapefruit League debut this spring, but they are about a week away from getting their first game action.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
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Associated Press:
Steven Souza Jr. filling big shoes in J.D. Martinez's No. 28 — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Surprised to be traded, Steven Souza Jr. heads to Arizona for what promises to be a key role on a Diamondbacks team that expects to be good. — The 28-year-old outfielder knew the Tampa Bay Rays were making …
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Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … The baseball world has had plenty to say about the Tampa Rays' notorious self-dismantling project, but one of their most recent former standouts wasn't about to pile on and trash the franchise for its systematic downsizing.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Few roster spots in play as Cubs begin Cactus League schedule — Chicago Tribune — Cubs fans shouldn't fret if their team struggles throughout the exhibition season, which starts Friday against the Brewers. — From a historical perspective, the 1984 Cubs were 7-20 in spring training …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Jesse RogersESPN / ESPN:
Remember 2016? These Cubs could be just as good
Remember 2016? These Cubs could be just as good
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals in no hurry to label closers — JUPITER, Fla. • The Cardinals' bullpen this year likely will be comprised of seven relievers at the start of the season but could have eight at any moment, if manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Mike Maddux deem the concept worthy.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Matheny in no rush to designate closer
Associated Press:
Rays deal Dickerson to Pirates for Hudson and minor leaguer — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have traded All-Star designated hitter Corey Dickerson to Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for relief pitcher Daniel Hudson, minor league infielder Tristan Gray and cash.
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates Acquire Corey Dickerson From Rays
Pirates Acquire Corey Dickerson From Rays
Discussion:
DRaysBay, Bucs Dugout and Pirates Breakdown
Arizona Republic:
Next Slide — Good seats are still available for the most anticipated debut in Major League Baseball this spring. — Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way star who signed with the L.A. Angels this offseason will make his first start on Saturday at Tempe Diablo Stadium when the Angels host the Brewers.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
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USA Today:
Ranking Arizona spring training parks: Surprise at the top — The emerging field of “data mining” is providing much-needed information to the manufacturers and marketers of consumer products. By using sophisticated algorithms, computers can sift through countless online comments by users of products …
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Associated Press:
Mariners catcher Mike Zunino grows into major role with team — PEORIA, Ariz. — Catcher Mike Zunino is looking to build off his best season as a Seattle Mariner. — Zunino enters his sixth season after setting several career highs at the plate. No catcher currently in Mariners spring training …
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Analytically speaking, Cincinnati Reds Tucker Barnhart was golden — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The theory here is Tucker Barnhart won the Gold Glove for two reasons: — 1. He richly deserved it — 2. Advanced analytics have become part of the criteria. — The two go hand-in-hand.
David Haugh / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Tyler Chatwood hardly a fifth wheel for the Cubs — Chicago Tribune — Everybody knows the big four of the Cubs' starting rotation: Yu, Q, Kyle and Jon. — Meet Tyler Chatwood, the fifth Beatle, the No. 5 starter and not-to-be-forgotten member on a staff that includes three …
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Cleveland Indians OF Brandon Guyer will restart progression after aggravating wrist injury — Cleveland Indians outfielder Brandon Guyer will restart his progression after aggravating a left wrist injury in a spring-training drill. — CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians outfielder Brandon Guyer missed …