Top News:
Steve Gardner / USA Today:
Eric Hosmer bids classy farewell to Kansas City fans with newspaper ad — Although he's now a member of the San Diego Padres after signing an eight-year, $144 million contract as a free agent, Eric Hosmer has already built up a career worth of fond memories with the Kansas City Royals.
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Spring recap: White Sox 8, Reds 5 — Chicago Tribune — The White Sox exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth and went on to an 8-5 victory over the Reds on Sunday at Camelback Ranch. The Sox improved to 2-1 in exhibition games. — At the plate: The Sox had 10 hits.
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Michael Kopech focused on expanding repertoire in quest to become White Sox starter — Chicago Tribune — This much we know: Michael Kopech can throw a baseball very fast. — The right-hander hits 100 mph on the radar gun with regularity and is sure to unleash his blazing fastball …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Associated Press:
New Mets manager Callaway undaunted by early spring injuries — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New Mets manager Mickey Callaway says his team took precautionary steps before this current rash of bumps and bruises cropped up. — Starting right fielder Jay Bruce is day-to-day with a bout of plantar fasciitis …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Cardinals' Daniel Poncedeleon continues comeback, returned to mound Sunday — The box score shows that Daniel Poncedeleon pitched two innings of three-hit, one-run ball for the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday against the Houston Astros. — The box score doesn't begin to tell the story …
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Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Decline fears: Can Joey Votto, Robinson Cano fight off the aging curve? — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Joey Votto was 27 years old, a reigning National League Most Valuable Player and ostensibly at the height of his powers when he first felt the symptoms of decline. — In 2010, he dominated the NL …
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers top prospect Alex Faedo makes good first impression — 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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Mike Berardino / Twin Cities:
Twins reportedly sign slugging first baseman Logan Morrison — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jake Odorizzi has only been a member of the Twins for a week or so, but he's already doing his part to recruit some of his former high-profile Tampa Bay Rays teammates to the Upper Midwest.
Discussion:
AaronGleeman.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Baseball Prospectus and Twinkie Town
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Alec Brzezinski / Sporting News:
MLB free agent news: Twins sign Logan Morrison after 38-home run season
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, MLB Baseball News … and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
After allowing HR, Giants' Madison Bumgarner sharp in spring debut — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The first man to bat against San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner Sunday hit a wind-aided, opposite-field home run. Bumgarner was overpowering after that in his spring training debut against the Chicago Cubs …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … Following a season in which he performed like one of the best and most dominant starters in baseball, Diamondbacks lefty Robbie Ray isn't hoping to repeat his success. He's looking to build on it. — “That was just kind of the floor,” Ray said.
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Bob McManaman / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … The Diamondbacks might say they haven't settled on their starting shortstop yet, and maybe they haven't - on the record - but when manager Torey Lovullo was recently asked about how his the middle infield might shake out this spring, he sounded very much like a man with a plan.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs starters still aiming for 200 innings, even as bullpen usage increases — Chicago Tribune — Jon Lester took notice that the Cubs restocked their fatigued bullpen with veterans Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek. — At the same time, Lester knows that for the relievers to succeed …
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Billy Witz / Boston Globe:
Alex Rodriguez returns to Yankees for second year as adviser — TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees paid Alex Rodriguez $21 million to work as an adviser to team owner Hal Steinbrenner last year. Apparently, Rodriguez found the work so agreeable he agreed to return — for what figures to be a relative pittance.
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Coley HarveyESPN / ESPN:
Alex Rodriguez returns to role as Yankees' special adviser
Discussion:
Associated Press
Associated Press:
Former MLB pitcher Jack Hamilton dies at 79 — BRANSON, Mo. — Jack Hamilton, whose errant inside pitch damaged the eyesight of Boston's Tony Conigliaro in 1967 and caused a premature end to the career of the Red Sox star, has died. He was 79. — Hamilton died Thursday at the Shepherd …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and baseballmusings.com
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Shawn Moran / Kansas City Star:
This pitcher is trying to replace Peter Moylan as sidearm relief arm on Royals roster — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Tim Hill has been pitching submarine-style his entire life. Now 28, the left-hander is participating in his first major-league camp. With his rare throwing motion adding …
Associated Press:
Springer's energy propels World Series champion Astros — JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — A.J. Hinch was attempting to answer a question about what he likes best about George Springer when the Houston Astros manager was drowned out by a faraway but exuberant bellow. — The sound was the World Series MVP …
Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers-Baltimore Orioles: How to follow Michael Fulmer's start — 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
Associated Press:
Matt Belisle agrees to minor league contract with Indians — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Free agent reliever Matt Belisle has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians and would get a $1.5 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man big league roster.
Associated Press:
Aaron Nola to start Opening Day for Phillies, but would yield to veteran — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Gabe Kapler figured why wait? Aaron Nola will be his first Opening Day starter as Philadelphia Phillies manager. — “Barring anything crazy happening, he's our guy.
