Check out Mini-Ballbug for simple mobiles or Ballbug Mobile for modern smartphones.
4:20 PM ET, December 18, 2018

Ballbug

 Top News: 
Enrique RojasESPNdeportes / ESPN:
Carlos Beltran says he has been named special adviser to Yanks GM Brian Cashman  —  One day before the New York Yankees receive a visit from free agent Manny Machado, Carlos Beltran confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that the team has named him special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman.
Discussion: Pinstripe Alley
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Analysis: The White Sox are pursuing Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.  Who is the better fit on the South Side?  —  Right fielder Bryce Harper, left, and shortstop Manny Machado are two of the top free agents this offseason.  (Harper: Ross D. Franklin |  Machado: Derik Hamilton / AP photos)
Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Manny Machado will be in the driver's seat when he pulls up to Yankee Stadium Wednesday  —  Manny Machado will be coming to the Bronx on Wednesday as part of his attempt to hustle up a $300 million-plus free agent deal.  The likelihood is he will be greeted with open arms and open wallet by the Yankees …
Discussion: Pinstripe Alley
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Yankees officially ink J.A. Happ; is Manny Machado next?
Discussion: MLB Baseball News …
Pete Grathoff / Kansas City Star:
Royals bring back speedy outfielder Terrance Gore on a one-year deal  —  If nothing else, the Royals are cornering the market on baseball's fastest players during this offseason.  —  On Tuesday, the Royals announced they signed outfielder Terrance Gore to a one-year contract.
RELATED:
Lee Judge / Kansas City Star:
On the Royals, Billy Hamilton and the value of getting the ball in play  —  In 2018, for the first time in the history of big-league baseball, there were more strikeouts than hits.  Big-league hitters struck out a record-breaking 41,207 times, and much of the responsibility for that dubious accomplishment …
David Ginsburg / Toronto Sun:
‘Up and coming star’ Hyde settles in as Orioles manager
Discussion: Camden Chat
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Wilson Ramos fit every criteria the Mets were looking for says Brodie Van Wagenen as new GM shrugs off injury concerns  —  Wilson Ramos slipped on the No. 40 jersey and smiled for the cameras as the Mets' starting catcher Tuesday.  —  After inking the 31-year-old Ramos to a two-year deal …
RELATED:
Daily Record:
Mets' lineup transformation almost complete after adding Wilson Ramos  —  The Mets have added their second big bat of the offseason by agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with catcher Wilson Ramos.  Ramos, 31, provides needed right-handed power, and should fit nicely into the heart of the order.
Discussion: Amazin' Avenue
Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Red Sox nearing deal with righty Erasmo Ramirez  —  The Red Sox are loading up on depth.  —  After signing an outfielder with significant major league experience in Gorkys Hernandez to a minor-league deal, the Sox appear to be close to reeling in another potential depth option, this time in the form of pitcher Erasmo Ramirez.
Discussion: CBS Boston and NESN.com
RELATED:
Nick Goss / NBCSports.com:
MLB rumors: Why Craig Kimbrel's free-agent market hasn't taken off (yet)
Buster Olney / ESPN:
With demand down, Boston might be Craig Kimbrel's best bet
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
How good is J.T. Realmuto and who needs him most?  —  How good is J.T. Realmuto?  —  The All-Star catcher for the Miami Marlins remains the subject of trade rumors.  While the Mets have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos, that still leaves the Dodgers …
Kristie Rieken / Associated Press:
Sources: Astros agree to 2-year deal with Michael Brantley  —  Brantley is a career .295 hitter and gives Houston an upgrade to an outfield anchored by center fielder George Springer.  —  HOUSTON (AP) - A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press the Houston Astros …
Discussion: Talking Chop
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Nationals finalize $4M, 1-year deal with Matt Adams  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals have finalized a $4 million, one-year deal with first baseman Matt Adams that includes a mutual option for 2020.  —  General manager Mike Rizzo announced the contract Tuesday.  Washington and Adams agreed last weekend pending a successful physical.
Tom Layberger / Forbes:
Tampa Bay Rays Build On 2018 Success By Spending For 2019  —  That was rather refreshing, wasn't it Rays fans?  —  The team that spent a good chunk of last winter, including the early days of spring training, ridding itself of fan favorite Evan Longoria and several other players while taking …
Discussion: DRaysBay
 
 Archived Page Info: 
This is a snapshot of Ballbug at 4:20 PM ET, December 18, 2018.

View the current page or another snapshot:


 
 See Also: 
Ballbug: site main
Ballbug River: reverse chronological Ballbug
Ballbug Mobile: for phones
Ballbug Leaderboard: Ballbug's top sources
 
 Subscribe: 
Ballbug RSS feed
 
 
 More News: 
Phil Miller / Star Tribune:
Twins will retire Joe Mauer's No. 7
Steve Bulpett / Boston Herald:
Al Horford sees benefits in Celtics' rough start
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Calhoun sticking to weight-loss plan. How much does he want to drop before spring training?
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
Ronald Blum / Toronto Sun:
APNewsBreak: Sabathia gets $500,000 bonus despite ejection
Associated Press:
Dodgers announcer Charley Steiner gets contract extension
Discussion: True Blue LA
 Earlier Picks: 
Associated Press:
Jeurys Familia prioritized return to Mets over closer role elsewhere
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Report: Indians ‘not as motivated’ to trade Kluber, Bauer after clearing salary with other deals
Associated Press:
Rangers re-sign Matt Bush on minor league deal
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
The state of the starting pitching market
Discussion: Red Reporter
 

 
From WeSmirch:

Charlotte Edwardes / The Guardian:
‘True activism has to cost you something’: Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan on politics, paparazzi and parasocial fandom

Catherine Santino / People:
Sydney Sweeney Shares Emotional Response to Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad: 'I'm Against Hate' (Exclusive)

Caroline Graham / Daily Mail:
‘See me one more time before I die’: Thomas Markle issues desperate plea to Meghan from hospital bed - and says Duchess HASN'T called him after ‘life or death’ leg amputation

 
Sister Sites:

Techmeme
 Top news and commentary for technology's leaders, from all around the web
Mediagazer
 Top news and commentary for media professionals from all around the web
memeorandum
 What US political commentators are discussing online right now
WeSmirch
 The top celebrity news from all around the web on a single page