Top News:
Rotoworld.com:
Lowdown: Christmas Shopping — Christmas Shopping — The Hot Stove season kicked it up a notch on Friday, with several teams looking to do a little Christmas shopping before the holiday hits. The day included a flurry of activity seeing several major trades swung and a few of the top free agent dominoes …
RELATED:
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Matt Kemp: Get to know the Cincinnati Reds' outfielder acquired from the LA Dodgers — After Kemp finished second in the National League MVP voting during the 2011 season, he signed an 8-year, $160 million contract with the Dodgers. He's dealt with multiple injuries afterward that have diminished his speed and defense.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Yasiel Puig reunites with Cincinnati Reds hitting coach, good friend Turner Ward — It was a familiar scene after Yasiel Puig's home runs last season: He completed his trot around the bases, walked back into the dugout, high-fived his teammates and then planted a kiss on hitting coach Turner Ward's cheek.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Yasiel Puig: Get to know the new outfielder the Cincinnati Reds got from the LA Dodgers
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Alex Wood: Get to know the pitcher the Cincinnati Reds acquired from the LA Dodgers
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
$idelined by budget, Cubs watch Reds, Cards add as Dodgers position for big move
Discussion:
NESN.com, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News …, Cubs Insider and Bleacher Nation
Steve Buffery / Toronto Sun:
Trading Stroman would be the right move for all sides — For sheer entertainment, particularly when the Blue Jays weren't very good, you couldn't beat the Stro Show. — That's why we're going to miss him. — Whether he's feuding with his former BFF Aaron Sanchez, or blowing up at the media …
RELATED:
Rob Longley / Toronto Sun:
LONGLEY LOOKS BACK: Blue Jays hit full-blown rebuild mode in 2018 — Usually, when a well-planned demolition is scheduled and designed, the explosives are planted at strategic places to make the implosion as seamless as possible. — Not with the Toronto Blue Jays of 2018, however …
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Jacob deGrom's contract; When will Yoenis Cespedes return? Five Mets storylines for 2019 — The Mets are aiming high in 2019 with new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen making some bold moves this offseason. — CONNECT — The Mets have been among the busiest teams in MLB this offseason under …
Daily Record:
Manny Machado saga, Giancarlo Stanton: Here are 5 Yankees storylines as we enter 2019 — If the Yankees are to find a way back to the Canyon of Heroes in 2019, they'll have to overcome the Red Sox - who are not just their blood rivals but the defending world champions.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
ESPN:
MLB Roundtable: The best, worst and what's to come this holiday week — After Friday's seven-player trade between the Dodgers and the Phillies, you'd be forgiven if you're anticipating what else the holiday might bring by way of transaction action while waiting for Santa to arrive.
Michael McCann / Sports Illustrated:
How the MLB-FCB Deal Could Face Legal Hurdles, Political Resistance — A landmark agreement between the MLB, the MLBPA and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) could pave the way for a faster and safer movement of Cuban stars to the big leagues. Legal analyst Michael McCann breaks …
Luke Zahlmann / Mile High Sports:
Todd Helton won't make the Hall of Fame this year, but there's still time — Todd Helton, otherwise dubbed “The Toddfather” is on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time after his 17-year career for the Colorado Rockies. Though beloved by fans, Helton is going to be on the ballot, without an induction, for at least another year.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Dan Caesar / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals Christmas marathon set for FSM — It was a bumpy ride for the Cardinals this year, with early season struggles followed by a managerial change and a surge that eventually subsided. The result was that the team missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Who will counsel MLB, union to avoid labor strife? — Underneath the anticipation of Manny Machado's tour of teams and a continued flurry of trades, the Associated Press published news jarring and yet completely unsurprising to some agents and executives — for the first time since 2004 …
Discussion:
Talking Chop
