Top News:
Fox Sports:
MLB tells Judge recruiting Machado against rules — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Major League Baseball has told New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge his comments attempting to recruit Baltimore shortstop Manny Machado violate the sport's tampering rules, and Judge says he has learned the lesson.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Aaron Judge avoids tamper trouble from MLB after pitching Manny Machado on joining Yankees — SARASOTA, Fla. — This Baby Bomber just threw a tamper tantrum. — Manny Machado won't be a free agent until the offseason, but Aaron Judge is already making his pitch to the All-Star shortstop on why he should join the Yankees.
Discussion:
Elite Sports NY, New Jersey Online, Baseball Prospectus, The Comeback and ESPN
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Tyler Wade poised to make unlikely upset over Neil Walker in Yankees' second base battle — TAMPA — On paper, Neil Walker vs. Tyler Wade at second base seems like a pretty easy pick. — After all, Walker has plenty of experience and past success on his side.
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Gary Sanchez drives in 5, but Aaron Boone touts his defensive work at Yankees camp — TAMPA, Fla. - Gary Sanchez had a five-RBI day on Thursday, another reminder that a guy with third billing - behind the Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge pairing - is just as dangerous.
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Aaron Judge says he's not going to be a one-hit wonder, according to Brett Gardner
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
David Price looks good in spring training debut — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Making his first Grapefruit League start — and first start of any kind in a competitive environment since last July 22 — Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price gave up one hit and one walk in four innings Thursday …
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Roger Mooney / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays journal: Brad Miller says he'll be ready for Rays' opening day — PORT CHARLOTTE — Opening day is now less than two weeks away, and 1B Brad Miller, with only two A game at-bats, feels he will be ready when the Rays begin the season against the visiting Red Sox. — “Yeah,” he said.
Detroit Free Press:
Justin Verlander: ‘(Bleep) you’ to ex-Tiger caught beating girlfriend — Former Detroit Tigers minor league outfielder Danry Vasquez was released by the Lancaster Barnstormers of the independent Atlantic League after video surfaced of him beating his fiancée.
Discussion:
New York Post
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Mike Fiers shelled again; rotation spot in jeopardy? — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It is far too late into the spring for it to be just spring anymore. — Right-hander Mike Fiers, the Tigers' most notable off-season signing, has struggled.
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Mike Fiers struggles in 8-1 exhibition loss to Braves
Benjamin Brown / Fox News:
Surveillance video that reportedly shows violent incident involving former baseball prospect is released
Surveillance video that reportedly shows violent incident involving former baseball prospect is released
Discussion:
CBS Detroit
Christian Red / New York Daily News:
Matt Harvey pleased with changeup as Mickey Callaway lauds Mets hurler's ‘confidence’ after five-inning spring start — PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey's fastballs touched the mid-90s in velocity Thursday at First Data Field, and it only took the righthander 11 pitches to mow down the Marlins …
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Associated Press:
Noah Syndergaard ‘super jacked’ to pitch Mets' opener — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard tried to put his second straight Opening Day start in perspective but let his emotion show. — “I'm super jacked for it,” he said Thursday.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards' Flaherty fans eight in 5 innings, allows one run against Orioles — JUPITER, Fla. • Do the Cardinals have five starters better than Jack Flaherty? Do they have 13 pitchers better than Jack Flaherty? Or even 12? — The answer very likely is “no,” but if Flaherty does …
RELATED:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals' bullpen dominates Houston
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Albert Almora Jr. to bat leadoff for Cubs vs. Diamondbacks — Chicago Tribune — With opening day two weeks away, expect Cubs manager Joe Maddon to take a closer look at potential lineups. — Albert Almora Jr. will bat leadoff Thursday against Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray in a 3:05 p.m. game at Sloan Park.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit and Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Maria Torres / Kansas City Star:
Royals 7, Cubs 6: Frank Schwindel's big day helps KC complete rally
Royals 7, Cubs 6: Frank Schwindel's big day helps KC complete rally
Discussion:
Royals Review and Bleed Cubbie Blue
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Former Cincinnati Reds No. 1 pick Phillip Ervin has a shot as the fifth outfielder — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Phillip Ervin has a decent shot at making the Reds as a fifth outfielder this spring. — That would be significant progress for Ervin. But he doesn't want his progression as a player to end there.
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Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
White Sox's Avisail Garcia on being yanked from Cactus League game: ‘I always understand Ricky’ — Chicago Tribune — Under manager Rick Renteria, the White Sox pride themselves on hustling and not quitting no matter the score or circumstances. — That's why when Renteria yanked Avisail Garcia …
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James Andrew Miller / Hollywood Reporter:
John Skipper Details His ESPN Exit and a Cocaine Extortion Plot — The former network chief goes public in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter about the real reason behind his abrupt departure from Disney after 27 years, a confession to Bob Iger and his hope to work in sports media again.
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, USA Today, The Big Lead, CBS Boston, The Week, HotNewHipHop.com and NESN.com
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … CONNECT — Torey Lovullo wouldn't come out and say it, but the Diamondbacks manager seemed to suggest that right-hander Zack Greinke is no longer on target to start on Opening Day. — Lovullo said Greinke, who departed his start on Wednesday …
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: If the old Wrigley Field dugout walls could talk, the stories they would tell — Chicago Tribune — The Cubs eased concerns of a repeat of the start of the 2015 season when they announced the latest Wrigley Field renovations will be completed in time for the April 9 home opener.
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Mets GM Sandy Alderson believes Mets are “well covered” at first base — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — First base isn't among the Mets' concerns. — Even with Dominic Smith sidelined and Adrian Gonzalez off to a slow start, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson believes first base is “pretty well covered.”
Dylan Hernandez / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp wants a second chance and is making his case to stay — Camp breaks in a little more than a week and Matt Kemp is still here, which at one time felt about as likely as the Dodgers reappearing on television or Stan Kasten developing a sense of humility.
Discussion:
DodgerBlue.com and Royals Review