Top News:
Associated Press:
Giancarlo Stanton says he's prepared for New York-level scrutiny — TAMPA, Fla. — Giancarlo Stanton said he is prepared for the scrutiny he will attract during his first season with the New York Yankees. — “The good times will be magnified and so will the bad,” the slugger said Wednesday.
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Erik Boland / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Giancarlo Stanton prepared for scrutiny that comes with playing for Yankees — TAMPA, Fla. — The expectations for the 2018 Yankees are through the roof. — And Giancarlo Stanton is good with that. — “The fans expect a lot,” Stanton said Wednesday afternoon. “I expect a lot, too.
Daily Record:
Yankees option Tyler Austin to Class AAA Scranton as roster takes shape — The Yankees took another step in whittling down to their opening day roster, as Tyler Austin and several others were optioned to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. — New York announced the moves during …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Jacoby Ellsbury is trying to be optimistic about his active return to the Yankees
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wong finally feels a sense of belonging — • On the practice field nearest their clubhouse Wednesday morning, early enough that shadows still played tricks on the batters' eyes, two Cardinals stepped into the cage for swings against rookie Alex Reyes. — One was Tommy Pham, his game-ready intensity lit.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Norris looks for reset as relief roles remain in flux
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
New York Post:
Mets concerned about Zack Wheeler, whose spot is in jeopardy — PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler is the logical choice to start the season in the Mets rotation if Jason Vargas isn't ready, but he is not a slam dunk. — Privately, Mets officials were concerned about Wheeler's last exhibition start …
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David Lennon / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Michael Conforto takes healthy cuts as hope grows he can return before May 1
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Mets still have to settle on leadoff hitter, lineup and bullpen before end of spring
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Mets' Jacob deGrom and Michael Conforto spend off day preparing for season
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com
Associated Press:
Diamondbacks' Souza has strained right shoulder, to get MRI — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. will get an MRI on Thursday after straining his right shoulder during a spring training game Wednesday night. — The team announced Souza's diagnosis following …
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Richard Morin / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks spring training - 2018 … Perhaps the biggest story line throughout Diamondbacks spring training is the race to see who will be closing games for the team in 2018. — But the Diamondbacks relievers don't seem to be too concerned about it. — Take newly acquired right-hander Brad Boxberger for example.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Notebook: Cobb wraps up deal with Orioles — Pitcher Cobb wraps up deal with Orioles — Alex Cobb's comfort and familiarity with the American League East was the deciding factor in his decision to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. — “They used the AL East and the success I've …
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Associated Press:
Cubs' Darvish limits former club to 3 hits over 6 innings — SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Yu Darvish looked as if he would stumble on the mound, yet still managed to unleash a pitch that struck out Drew Robinson of the Rangers. — “I got off-balance,” Darvish said through a translator.
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Japan Times and MLB Baseball News …
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ESPN:
Mariners' David Phelps to have Tommy John surgery, season over — Mariners reliever David Phelps has a torn UCL in his pitching elbow and will have season-ending Tommy John surgery, the team said Thursday. — The right-hander is expected to be sidelined 12-15 months.
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Ryan Divish / The Seattle Times:
Brutal blow for Mariners' bullpen: David Phelps lost for the season with Tommy John surgery — Phelps suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will need season-ending surgery. — PEORIA, Ariz. — The 2018 season is done for David Phelps before it even started.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish and Lookout Landing
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Shohei Ohtani, Angels undaunted by rocky spring: 'He's going to wow us,' says Mike Trout — PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. - The dozens of reporters who stake out the Los Angeles Angels' parking lot each morning, awaiting Shohei Ohtani's arrival, staring at him while he dresses …
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Sporting News, Bleacher Report and MLB Baseball News …
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George Sipple / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers lose to Braves, 3-2, in Francisco Liriano's up-and-down night … At Champion Stadium, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — What happened: The Detroit Tigers lost, 3-2, to the Atlanta Braves. .... The Tigers took a 1- lead in the first after Leonys Martin had a leadoff double and scored …
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Talking Chop
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Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Aaron Judge hits two HRs, hitting his stride as Yankees opener nears — TAMPA, Fla. - Aaron Judge is getting that let's-start-the-season-already feeling. — “I feel ready to go,” Judge said after belting two home runs in Wednesday night's 9-4 Yankees win against the Orioles at Steinbrenner Field.
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Associated Press:
Rays' catchers using wristbands amid rotation experiment — PORT CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Major League Baseball made game-calling more difficult for catchers this winter when it changed the rules governing mound visits. For backstops with the Tampa Bay Rays, things got even trickier …
Discussion:
DRaysBay and baseballmusings.com
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Ian Happ has earned large chunk of leadoff duties to start season for Cubs — Chicago Tribune — Switch-hitter Ian Happ has convinced manager Joe Maddon he can handle the leadoff duties for the Cubs, at least to start the start of the regular season. — “You'll probably see him there a bit,” Maddon said Wednesday.
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Acquire Sam Gaviglio, Designate Matt Dermody — The Blue Jays have acquired right-hander Sam Gaviglio from the Royals for cash considerations or a player to be named later, according to an announcement from Toronto. To make room for Gaviglio, the Blue Jays designated left-hander Matt Dermody …
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FanRag Sports, MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Bluebird Banter
