Top News:
ESPN:
White Sox make $175 million pitch to Manny Machado — Manny Machado remains unsigned, but the Chicago White Sox have made at least one pitch to the superstar shortstop. — Multiple sources told ESPN's Buster Olney that the White Sox have a seven-year, $175 million offer on the table for Machado.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, The Big Lead, MLB Baseball News …, baseballmusings.com and NESN.com
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Mark Fischer / New York Daily News:
Manny Machado's agent slams White Sox rumors and is livid — Manny Machado's agent wants to set the record straight — or perhaps it's just all a ploy. — The oft-reported seven years, $175 million White Sox offer for the co-highest-profile free agent available always seemed a bit peculiar …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, NESN.com and MLB Daily Dish
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Will the White Sox's reported offer of $175 million be enough to land Manny Machado? — Photos of Manny Machado, one of the top free agents this season. — Chicago Tribune — The White Sox repeatedly warn fans not to believe every rumor they hear concerning the team's offseason pursuits.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Associated Press:
Mets newcomer Jed Lowrie ready to play all over the diamond — NEW YORK — Jed Lowrie would rather talk about wine than whine. — The infielder visited Citi Field on Wednesday after finalizing a $20 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets, likely less money and a shorter term …
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Daily Record:
Mets not looking to trade Todd Frazier after Jed Lowrie signing — NEW YORK — Todd Frazier isn't going anywhere. — While adding Jed Lowrie will cut into the Toms River native's playing time, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is planning to keep Frazier.
Associated Press:
Yankees' DJ LeMahieu says he'll bring many gloves to spring training — NEW YORK — DJ LeMahieu is putting away his mittens and packing more mitts. — A star second baseman for Colorado, LeMahieu is set to join a crowded New York Yankees infield. — “I was told to bring a lot of gloves,” he said Wednesday on a conference call.
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Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks to sign infielder Wilmer Flores, according to report — The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent infielder Wilmer Flores, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports. — The team has an option for 2020, according to the report. — The deal is pending a physical.
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Inside Dodgers' plan to revolutionize the fan experience: ‘This is a show business’ — The Los Angeles Dodgers are the world's leader in attendance, drawing more fans than any venue in sports, and leading Major League Baseball in attendance for six years running.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
As Cardinals' prospects gather in Jupiter, Alex Reyes returns (briefly) to the mound — ST. LOUIS • While some of the conversation about the Cardinals' pitching staff this winter has fixated on whether they have an ace, who that ace is, and whether they ought to add an ace, one thing is clear as spring training approaches.
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals loaded with prospects at third base
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
Marty Brennaman — who called Cubs fans ‘most obnoxious’ — to retire after 46 seasons as Reds voice — Chicago Tribune — Hall of Fame Reds radio announcer Marty Brennaman announced Wednesday he plans to retire after the coming season, his 46th with the team.
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Cubs Convention panels we'd like to see: Where's Bryce? …
Column: Cubs Convention panels we'd like to see: Where's Bryce? …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
50 greatest St. Louis Cardinals pitchers — Selected by Rick Hummel, who has covered baseball for the Post-Dispatch since the 1970s and and was inducted into the writers' wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. — HALL OF FAME BASEBALL WRITER RICK HUMMEL MAKES THE PICKS
Tom Haudricourt / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Brewers invite nine minor-leaguers to spring camp, including top prospect Keston Hiura — (Photo: Roy Dabner, for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) — The Milwaukee Brewers invited nine of their minor-league prospects to spring training on Wednesday, increasing their number of non-roster invitees to 14.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Reports: Indians discussing three-team trade with Padres, Reds for Corey Kluber — Reportedly, the Cleveland Indians are discussing a three-team trade with the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds for ace pitcher Corey Kluber. — CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians were unable to move either …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation