Top News:
John Harper / The Charlotte Observer:
Signing Dallas Keuchel might be better Yankees option than Manny Machado — Since Aaron Judge brought it up... Just kidding. I have to admit I was rather stunned that Judge shared with reporters his “You'd-look-good-in-pinstripes” line to Manny Machado last week, considering how carefully he measures his every word.
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Detroit Free Press:
Next Slide — LAKELAND, Fla. — After three hours and 26 minutes of spring training baseball on Saturday afternoon, after offering reporters some insight as to how the Tigers' roster might look come Opening Day by detailing how wide open the team's bullpen competition remains …
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Controversy-free spring was just what the White Sox needed — Chicago Tribune — Back in Sarasota, Fla., during the spring of 1996, White Sox camp was roiled early by the disappearance of Tony Phillips, who had signed as a free-agent over the winter.
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Ben Frederickson / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals notebook: Pitcher Gant keeps impressing — LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. • The Cardinals' pitching plans are coming into focus as the season opener nears, and for now they project spring standout John Gant as quality insurance for the rotation. He's headed for starts at Class AAA Memphis …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Javier Baez starts at shortstop as former Cubs Jon Jay and Jorge Soler start for Royals — Chicago Tribune — Javier Baez's left hamstring will get another test Sunday when he starts at shortstop as the Cubs face the Royals in a split-squad game at Sloan Park at 3:05 p.m.
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Associated Press:
Notebook: A's starter Cotton to have Tommy John surgery — Oakland Athletics pitcher Jharel Cotton will undergo season-ending surgery on his right elbow. — Cotton had been diagnosed with a sprain and had a second scan taken on his elbow on Friday, then was told he would need Tommy John surgery.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Final-week quandary for Rangers: What do with Colon? — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — All Saturday afternoon's game was, in the mind of the Texas Rangers and their Game 1 starting pitcher, was another Cactus League contest. — Bartolo Colon has been better than he was against the Kansas City Royals …
Discussion:
Dallas Morning News and Lone Star Ball
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Batting second for your Texas Rangers ... Joey Gallo?
Batting second for your Texas Rangers ... Joey Gallo?
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball and Dallas Morning News
Joel Colomby / Toronto Sun:
Fantasy Fare: On humidors and an outfield wall — A couple of stadium-related items to keep in the back of your mind when taking part in your league's draft or auction: — 1) Chase Field in Arizona, home of the Diamondbacks, will store its baseballs in a moisture-absorbing humidor, in effect deadening the balls and reducing offence.
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Tim Healey / Newsday:
Yoenis Cespedes says he's healthy, ready for Opening Day — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Yoenis Cespedes declared himself fully healthy and ready for Opening Day after his first baseball action of the week Saturday. — The Mets leftfielder went 1-for-6 in a minor-league intra- squad game …
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Matt Ehalt / NorthJersey.com:
Mets could trade Rafael Montero before the season starts — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — With teams finalizing rosters soon, the Mets have started preparations for a possible trade with Rafael Montero a candidate to be dealt, according to sources. Montero is out of options and is not a lock to make the roster.
Discussion:
Newsday and MLB Trade Rumors
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ESPN:
Mets left-hander Jason Vargas has broken right hand — New York Mets left-hander Jason Vargas has a broken bone in his non-pitching hand and will visit a specialist later Sunday, the team announced. — Vargas suffered a non-displaced fracture of the hamate bone in his right hand Saturday …
Discussion:
Sporting News
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carp at third, Gyorko at second against Nationals — JUPITER, Fla. • Cardinals manager Mike Matheny is deploying his infield Sunday as to what it will look when second baseman Kolten Wong has an off day. — Jedd Gyorko will move from third to second for the first time this spring …
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Pena's play, catching depth have created competition for Kelly at backup — St. Louis Cardinals catcher Francisco Pena blocks a ball while catching a bullpen session during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Royals Sign Justin Grimm, Designate Sam Gaviglio — 12:52pm: Grimm's deal comes with a $1.25MM salary and up to $300K in performance bonuses, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic tweets. — 12:25pm: The Royals have signed right-handed reliever Justin Grimm to a one-year, major league contract …
Mike Lupica / New York Daily News:
Mets fans are right to have hope entering this season, no matter how many ifs surround team — PORT ST. LUCIE — This was the other day in spring training, at the point when the spring training days start to run together in the run-up to the season. Mickey Callaway, the new Mets manager …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Kyle Schwarber's improvements evident in spring training — Chicago Tribune — Cubs manager Joe Maddon often uses information to supplement what he witnesses with his own eyes. — And his observations appear accurate after watching a svelte Kyle Schwarber double, triple and run the bases …