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8:30 AM ET, January 16, 2019

Ballbug

 Top News: 
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.
RELATED:
Scooby Axson / Sports Illustrated:
MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies Envision Signing Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel  —  With spring training report dates less than a month away, the two biggest free agents of the offseason are still on the market.  —  Manny Machado and Bryce Harper have yet to ink deals, but teams have emerged as frontrunners.
Discussion: NBCSports.com and Phillies Nation
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Five moves we want to see this offseason  —  Let's discuss something other than Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.  Here are five moves I'd like to see.  Actually, it's more than five, because the first suggestion deals with several moves that could vault the Cincinnati Reds into the thick of the race in the National League Central.
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” …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Giants hire pitching analyst to aid with training efforts  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants have hired pitching analyst Matt Daniels to join the staff of new president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, who vowed when hired in November to find a wide array of experts to help the club.
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:   Giant keep lefty Derek Holland with $7M, 1-year deal
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
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.
Discussion: New York Post
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 …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Yasmani Grandal explains why the reported offer from the Mets wasn't good enough as he lands with the Brewers  —  Yasmani Grandal turned down the Mets on principal.  The catcher did not deny reports that the Mets had made a strong four-year offer which reportedly could have been worth as much as $60 million …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Brewers finalize 1-year, $18.25 million deal with Yasmani Grandal
Jon Meoli / Baltimore Sun:
Three years after Chris Davis' record contract with Orioles, ramifications for club, baseball only grow  —  Absent anything but a 2014 American League East championship banner and a couple of good years of attendance, the most lasting relic from the early-to-mid-decade Orioles clubs that now seem …
Discussion: Camden Chat
Todd Dybas / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Dozier and Long a match made in launch angle heaven  —  Dozier and Long a match made in launch angle heaven originally appeared on  —  Brian Dozier came to a realization following his rookie season in 2012.  Why not hit the ball more often in the air and accentuate a strength?
Discussion: Federal Baseball
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.
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.
 
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 More News: 
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
After 7 “special years” in Colorado, DJ LeMahieu says going from Rockies to Yankees is exciting, not intimidating
Discussion: Rox Pile
Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers acquire OF John Andreoli from Seattle Mariners on waiver claim
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
Braves won N.L. East in 2018 with 20th highest payroll in baseball
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings …:
Longtime Pirates broadcaster Blass to retire after 2019
Discussion: Bucs Dugout
 Earlier Picks: 
Sara Coello / Dallas Morning News:
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame pitcher John Wetteland arrested on child sex abuse charge
Associated Press:
Garcia, Rays agree to terms of 1-year contract
Discussion: baseballmusings.com
Carl Lisciandrello / Tampa Bay Times:
Grapefruit League: 2019 spring training map, team-by-team schedules
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester and Addison Russell are not scheduled to attend Cubs Convention
Wells Dusenbury / Baltimore Sun:
Victor Victor Mesa makes practice debut — here's how Marlins plan to develop the Cuban star
 

 
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