Top News:
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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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mikolas has a rough debut for Cards — JUPITER, Fla. • Miles Mikolas, a Jupiter native signed for $15.5 million for two years after pitching three seasons in Japan, didn't have the picture-book Cardinals debut he might have imagined Sunday. He allowed six runs and seven hits …
Jay Paris / Associated Press:
Kevin Towers remembered for his love of baseball and people — Theo Epstein remembered when he first met Kevin Towers, as a 21-year-old intern working in the San Diego Padres public relations department. Towers was the new general manager. — “I was just out of college,” said Epstein …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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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.
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
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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 …
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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
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
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 …
R.J. Anderson / CBSSports.com:
Red Sox plan to officially introduce J.D. Martinez on Monday, reports say — Martinez had agreed to a deal with Boston last week — For as long as it took J.D. Martinez and the Boston Red Sox to come to an agreement after a winter spent negotiating, it's only right that it's taking ages for the deal to become official.
Discussion:
Boston Globe, FanRag Sports, Over the Monster and ESPN
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Arthur Weinstein / Sporting News:
Red Sox, J.D. Martinez contract signing delayed by language
Red Sox, J.D. Martinez contract signing delayed by language
Discussion:
Over the Monster, MLB Baseball News … and baseballmusings.com
Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — LAKELAND, Fla. — Artie Lewicki hit the proverbial wall. — He was cruising through the Pittsburgh Pirates' order early in Sunday's Grapefruit League game at Joker Marchant Stadium when the early spring workload and unusually hot weather caught up with him. Likely a little bit of adrenaline, too.
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Rotoworld.com:
ST Daily: Lo-Mo to Minnesota — Vacation is over. It's back to the grind for Logan Morrison. — Morrison's period of fun-employment ended Sunday when the 30-year-old put his John Hancock on a one-year, $6.5 million deal with Minnesota. The contract includes a vesting option for 2019 …
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Tampa Bay Times:
For starters: Rays vs. Blue Jays, with Cron swinging, Archer flinging — After their annual meeting with players union chief Tony Clark and other officials - and with probably more to talk about than usual - this morning, the Rays will host the Blue Jays at 1:
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La Velle E. Neal III / Star Tribune:
Union chief Tony Clark says players more willing to help speed up games
Union chief Tony Clark says players more willing to help speed up games
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
ESPN:
Tim Tebow sprains ankle after running over sprinkler head — Tim Tebow is nursing a left-ankle sprain after running over a sprinkler head in the outfield at the New York Mets' spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida. — The former Florida quarterback, one of 15 non-roster invitees …
Alec Brzezinski / Sporting News:
MLB free agent news: Twins sign Logan Morrison after 38-home run season — The Twins signed Logan Morrison to a one-year contract Sunday, with a vesting option for a second year, according to Fox Sports. — Morrison will make $6 million in 2018, with a possible vesting option driving …
Discussion:
USA Today, NBCSports.com, MLB Daily Dish and baseballmusings.com
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Mike Berardino / Twin Cities:
Twins reportedly sign slugging first baseman Logan Morrison
Twins reportedly sign slugging first baseman Logan Morrison
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Twinkie Town, Baseball Prospectus and AaronGleeman.com
Tim Healey / Sacramento Bee:
Marlins' Braxton Lee, a sometimes-forgotten outfield prospect, has always been an underdog — Braxton Lee is an underdog. He knows he is an underdog. He has always been an underdog. — But now, as a 24-year-old center fielder in his first major league spring training, Lee is an underdog on the cusp of making it to the bigs.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Joe Maddon sees early signs of Cubs defense getting back to 2016 form — Chicago Tribune — After the Cubs regressed on defense last season, manager Joe Maddon has noticed a refreshed approach in spring training resembling the sharpness of 2016. — “On any given day …
Associated Press:
Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw retires 3 Mariners as Seager brothers battle for 1st time — PEORIA, Ariz. — Clayton Kershaw's spring debut was quick and efficient. — The Los Angeles Dodgers ace retired the Seattle Mariners' first three hitters on 11 pitches on Sunday.
Maury Brown / Forbes:
From ‘Integrity Fees’ To Controlling What To Bet On, MLB's Framework For Legalized Sports Betting — For decades, Major League Baseball has taken betting on its games as one of it's most serious matters. The 1919 “Black Sox” scandal in which eight players were involved in one manner …
Discussion:
Pirates Breakdown