Top News:
Mark Fischer / New York Daily News:
Ex-Yankees top prospect tries to fulfill pilot dream long after chaotic MLB start — After a turbulent stint in baseball, Slade Heathcott is taking his next career to new heights. — The one-time troubled Yankees top prospect wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
RELATED:
Mark W. Sanchez / New York Post:
Former troubled Yankees top prospect Slade Heathcott becoming pilot
Associated Press:
Brewers finalize 1-year, $18.25 million deal with Yasmani Grandal — Catcher Yasmani Grandal and the Milwaukee Brewers have finalized an $18.25 million, one-year contract. — The deal, agreed to last week subject to a successful physical, was announced by the Brewers on Monday.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and MLB Baseball News …
RELATED:
Matt Gelb / The Athletic:
In waiting game for Harper or Machado, Phillies build confidence — and don't appear ready to blink — When the small group of Phillies officials deplaned John Middleton's 22-seat private jet emblazoned with script “P” on the tail, they had reasons to feel encouraged.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, Deadspin, MLB Trade Rumors, The Good Phight, Cubs Insider, Phillies Nation and NESN.com
RELATED:
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Matt Shepard used to call games in his backyard. Now he's Tigers voice — The morning after, emotion was still evident in Matt Shepard's voice. — On Monday evening, Fox Sports Detroit's closely kept secret of who would broadcast Detroit Tigers games this season — and beyond — finally leaked into the public domain.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and Fox Sports
Kerry Crowley / Mercury News:
Giants add to analytics team, hire coordinator of pitching analysis — Former Driveline Baseball employee Matt Daniels is joining the Giants — Before Giants CEO Larry Baer hired Farhan Zaidi as the franchise's president of baseball operations, Baer announced he desired a “next-gen” …
Discussion:
The Athletic and McCovey Chronicles
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Joe Maddon says Bryce Harper ‘not happening’ and that Cubs' improvements likely will come from within — Chicago Tribune — Cubs manager Joe Maddon reinforced his belief that team President Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer will address a need if they sense one with the same urgency …
Ken Rosenthal / The Athletic:
Why the Braves may be hamstrung; more Brewers movement?; perspective on DJ LeMahieu signing — It was more than a year ago that baseball penalized the Braves for infractions in the international market and domestic draft. The Braves now operate under a new front office, but in a sense, they are still paying the price.
Discussion:
Sporting News, SNY, New Jersey Online, Bleacher Nation, Talking Chop and Brew Crew Ball
Carron J. Phillips / New York Daily News:
MLB losing Kyler Murray just another self-inflicted wound — With a league full of scouts, you'd think that Major League Baseball might have picked up the curveball that Kyler Murray was preparing to throw at them coming. — MLB never got the bat off its shoulder. — Murray was supposed to throw MLB a meatball.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Athletics Nation and Washington Post
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Giant keep lefty Derek Holland with $7M, 1-year deal — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Left-hander Derek Holland is staying with the San Francisco Giants, agreeing to a one-year contract that guarantees $7 million. — With all the injuries to the rotation last season, keeping the versatile Holland provides a big boost to the pitching staff.
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Garcia, Rays agree to terms of 1-year contract — SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Avisail Garcia and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to terms on a one-year contract that would pay the former Chicago White Sox outfielder $3.5 million next season.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers acquire OF John Andreoli from Seattle Mariners on waiver claim — The Texas Rangers have acquired outfielder John Andreoli from the Seattle Mariners on a waiver claim. — Andreoli made his major league debut last season with the Seattle Mariners.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
Braves won N.L. East in 2018 with 20th highest payroll in baseball — Final 2018 payrolls for the 30 major league teams, according to information received by clubs from the commissioner's office. — Figures are for 40-man rosters and include salaries and pro-rated shares of signing bonuses …
Sara Coello / Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame pitcher John Wetteland arrested on child sex abuse charge — This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available. — Texas Rangers Hall of Fame pitcher John Wetteland was arrested Monday on a child sex abuse charge.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Lone Star Ball
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Johnny Bench, Hall of Fame Cincinnati Reds great, pays tribute to Mel Stottlemyre — Hall of Famer and former Cincinnati Reds great Johnny Bench offered a tribute via Twitter on Monday evening to former New York Yankees pitcher and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who died at 77 after a long battle with cancer.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, New York Daily News and ESPN
RELATED:
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Mel Stottlemyre, New York baseball legend, dead at 77
Mel Stottlemyre, New York baseball legend, dead at 77
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and MLB Baseball News …