Top News:
Jon Tayler / Sports Illustrated:
What Is the Dodgers' Offseason Plan? Currently, Bryce Harper Doesn't Appear to Be an Option — The Dodgers are an ideal fit for Bryce Harper, so why aren't the bidding on the young star? As of now, they seem more interested in saving money. — With a month to go until spring training …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
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, Phillies Nation, Cubs Insider, NESN.com and The Good Phight
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” …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, The Athletic and McCovey Chronicles
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.
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
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
After 7 “special years” in Colorado, DJ LeMahieu says going from Rockies to Yankees is exciting, not intimidating — Second baseman open to playing multiple positions — Tuesday evening, DJ LeMahieu was preparing to fly from his home in snowy Michigan to sunny Arizona, where he'll begin his tuneup for spring training.
Discussion:
Purple Row and Rox Pile
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 …
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