Top News:
Associated Press:
Pedro Strop, Brandon Kintzler stay with Cubs — CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs exercised their $6.25 million option for Pedro Strop on Thursday, and fellow reliever Brandon Kintzler picked up his $5 million player option. — Strop can earn $750,000 in performance bonuses next year based …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Associated Press:
Jason Heyward, Mark Melancon let opt-out deadline pass — NEW YORK — Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward and San Francisco reliever Mark Melancon let the deadline pass for exercising opt-out provisions in their contracts. — Doing the same were two Cuban outfielders who have been major disappointments …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles and Bleacher Nation
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
‘Pissed off’ Hal Steinbrenner opens up: Red Sox anger, Machado caution — Hal Steinbrenner refers to “the first week in October” often in a 40-minute phone conversation. He uses that term ("first week in October"). Not the Division Series. Not the loss to the Red Sox. — It haunts and irritates.
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca, NESN.com and MLB Baseball News …
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Scott Lauber / Philly.com:
Phillies' positional needs centered on, but not limited to, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado — The oddsmakers at Bovada Sportsbook must be from Philadelphia. — Then again, maybe not. — To most Phillies fans, the thought of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado choosing to sign here is too good to be believed …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos and Phillies Nation
Associated Press:
Cuban P Sandy Gaston finalizes contract with Rays — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a minor league contract with 16-year-old Cuban pitcher Sandy Gaston that includes a $2.61 million signing bonus. — The 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-hander ranked among …
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rays Sign Sandy Gaston — The Rays have formally announced the signing of hard-throwing Cuban pitching prospect Sandy Gaston. The 16-year-old (17 in December) showcased for big league clubs at Marlins Park alongside Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. in early October and, as of last week …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Sarah Langs / ESPN:
Eighteen amazing facts about the 2018 MLB postseason — Some of the best storylines this postseason were rooted in stats — from the 18-inning Game 3 in the World Series game to David Price's redemption to the Astros' prolific postseason home run hitting. Let's take a look …
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Kent Somers / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Fall League remains a hidden baseball gem — In much of Arizona, fall is a lot like spring. The weather flirts with perfection. Flowers, vegetables and grass are planted. And baseball complexes are packed with fans eager to see the game's next stars. — OK, that last sentence is not true.
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Dodgers expected to retain Dave Roberts as manager — LOS ANGELES — Dave Roberts is expected to return as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as is the entirety of his coaching staff, front-office executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi strongly suggested during a joint news conference from Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals infielder Greg Garcia claimed on waivers by San Diego — San Diego area native Greg Garcia is going home to play. The utility infielder who has played the past four seasons for the Cardinals was claimed on waivers by the Padres on Thursday. — The lefthanded-hitting Garcia …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Ryan Brasier, Matt Barnes in mix to potentially replace Craig Kimbrel — The Craig Kimbrel question isn't coming out of the blue. — Kimbrel has always figured to be one of the tougher decisions when he hits the free agent market, which will be in the coming weeks.
Discussion:
NESN.com
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen's roster upgrades need to start with bullpen help ... and a catcher — With the Mets having brought in Brodie Van Wagenen as their new general manager on Tuesday, it's time for the organization to start looking at how they can back up his bold promises.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Joe Rivera / Sporting News:
Five way-too-early bold predictions for the 2019 MLB season — Watch MLB with fuboTV — It's beginning to look a lot like spring training. — Even though the weather is getting colder and baseball hasn't been around for less than a week, that itch for pitchers and catchers is starting to get just a bit annoying.
