Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Phillies will spend big bucks in free agency, ‘maybe even be a little bit stupid about it’ — ATLANTA — If anyone had any doubt about Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton's intentions this winter, he made it abundantly clear before leaving the Major League Baseball owners' meetings.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Cubs Insider, Phillies Nation, The Good Phight and Sportsnet.ca
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Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Bryce Harper: Why the Atlanta Braves should sign free agent — Bryce Harper, a National League MVP at 23, is a free agent at 26, peddling his services in an industry that's grown to nearly $11 billion in annual revenues. His combination of skills, age and marketing cachet make him an excellent fit for any major league franchise.
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
With best years behind them, Giants face tough task of starting over — There is perhaps one positive way to look at the San Francisco Giants ' 2018 season. In 2017, the team lost 98 games and finished 40 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West …
Scott Lauber / Philly.com:
Phillies owner John Middleton vows to spend big this winter — For months, the presumption across baseball has been that the Phillies are poised to spend money — big, big money — this winter to acquire the generational superstar who will bridge the chasm between rebuilding and serious World Series contention.
Discussion:
The Good Phight
Associated Press:
Yelich near-unanimous pick as National League MVP; Carpenter finishes 9th — • Mookie Betts is ready to become an ambassador for baseball, now that he's won a batting title, World Series and Most Valuable Player award with Boston. “I enjoy being kind of a face around the game.
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David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Newly crowned MVP Mookie Betts staking a claim as MLB's best player — When you win a World Series, everybody remembers the big home runs and the clutch pitching performances, but the little plays can be just as important. Take Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
Discussion:
CBS Boston
Jeff Fletcher / BBWAA:
Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is nearly unanimous as MVP in first season after trade
Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is nearly unanimous as MVP in first season after trade
Matt Snyder / CBSSports.com:
Red Sox's Mookie Betts, Brewers' Christian Yelich win 2018 MLB MVP honors
Red Sox's Mookie Betts, Brewers' Christian Yelich win 2018 MLB MVP honors
Discussion:
Bless You Boys, MLB Baseball News … and Over the Monster
Andy McCullough / Los Angeles Times:
Mookie Betts, Christian Yelich win AL and NL MVP awards
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Christian Yelich, Mookie Betts Win MVP Awards
Christian Yelich, Mookie Betts Win MVP Awards
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
Buster Olney / ESPN:
For many players, this will be a long, cold winter — By the end of spring training this year, there was an angry undercurrent among players and in the union because of the sheer volume of established veterans who were mostly ignored in free agency. Mark Reynolds, a solid defender …
Ken Rosenthal / The Athletic:
Digging into Harper's defensive slide; Keuchel is more reliable than dominant; Syndergaard to Padres? — Not surprisingly, agent Scott Boras has an explanation for the sharp decline in Bryce Harper's defensive metrics during the 2018 season. — The explanation derives from another …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Bleacher Nation and baseballmusings.com
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Ben Zobrist, start designing your customized cleats. MLB grants players more shoe freedom. — ATLANTA — Baseball's shoe police can go home. — Major League Baseball and its owners approved an amendment to the basic agreement that finally loosens restrictions on the design and colors of players' footwear in games.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Who could be the Detroit Tigers' next yearly award winners? — For the first time in 13 seasons, the Detroit Tigers did not have a player or manager receive a vote for a yearly award from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. — The absence of standout individual performances is not surprising …
Andy Martino / SNY:
Yankees moving toward Sonny Gray trade — Significant interest in the beleaguered righty — The Yankees have multiple offers on the table for RHP Sonny Gray and are in the process of weighing them, according to major league sources. — GM Brian Cashman has been open about Gray's need …
Discussion:
NESN.com, Brew Crew Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
ESPN:
Veteran catcher Jeff Mathis agrees to two-year deal with Rangers — The Texas Rangers and veteran catcher Jeff Mathis have agreed to a two-year contract, The Athletic reported Thursday. — The deal is pending a physical. — Mathis, who turns 36 in March, is regarded as one of the game's top defensive catchers.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Associated Press:
Baseball owners extend commissioner Rob Manfred's contract — ATLANTA — Baseball owners have extended the contract of Commissioner Rob Manfred after two days of meetings in Atlanta. — The owners put off any decision Thursday on changes that might speed games.
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