Top News:
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Yankees' frugality allowed them to build an unhittable bullpen. Imagine what they could've done without Jacoby Ellsbury? — Now it can be told. There was a reason the Yankees only tip-toed in the Manny Machado waters and expressed zero interest in Bryce Harper: Why spend $34 million …
RELATED:
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:
Yankees haven't done enough to take down Alex Cora's Red Sox — Sure, the Yankees own the better bullpen. But they owned the better bullpen heading into the postseason last October, too. — Combined with all the other talent in The Bronx, is that enough to beat the World Series champion Red Sox this time around?
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and NBCSports.com
Evan Drellich / NBCSports.com:
Henry: Red Sox may not spend much more, but not because of luxury tax — MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — The highest luxury tax threshold for 2019 isn't going to keep the Red Sox from adding a reliever, Sox owner John Henry indicated on Friday. It's simply the dollars overall that may keep the team …
Discussion:
Union-News, The Athletic and Over the Monster
Evan Drellich / NBCSports.com:
Henry: Government shutdown could keep Red Sox from White House
Discussion:
NESN.com and MLB Baseball News …
Scott Boeck / USA Today:
Cubs' Kris Bryant upset that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned — The unsettling pace of major league free agent signings is starting boil over. — Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is the latest star player to voice his concern that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned …
RELATED:
Scott Chiusano / New York Daily News:
Manny Machado's dad says his son isn't going to land where everyone thinks — Manny Machado's family members have a lot to say about where the prized free agent will end up. — First it was his wife, Yainee, who wants to live in New York City and has a strong hold over her husband's decision making …
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Kris Bryant: ‘Not good’ that stars Bryce Harper, Manny Machado still unsigned
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Jesse Yomtov / USA Today:
Free agent Dallas Keuchel wonders what it takes to get signed
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Associated Press:
Avisail Garcia gets 1-year deal from Rays for as much as $6 million — Avisail Garcia can earn up to $6 million as part of his one-year contract with the Rays. — The team announced the deal Friday, an agreement that guarantees $3.5 million this season. — He can earn $250,000 each …
Chicago Tribune:
‘I feel strong’: Yu Darvish says he's pain-free after an injury-plagued 2018 season — Chicago Tribune — Yu Darvish will report to spring training next month with the comfort of knowing his teammates. — More important, he's headed to Arizona with a healthy right elbow.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Shildt feels a ‘rightful buzz’ about 2019 season as Winter Warm-Up arrives — Mike Shildt (center) gets a hand slap from Jose Martinez as Martinez returns to the dugout after hitting a homer against the Pirates last Aug. 28. (Photo by Christian Gooden, cgooden@post-dispatch.com)
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
5 topics from Joe Maddon's panel at Cubs Convention — Chicago Tribune — Here are the top five topics from the panel on Cubs manager Joe Maddon and his coaching staff at Cubs Convention: — A fan lathered Maddon with praise, then expressed disappointment in his handling of the Russell situation.
Joe Noga / Plain Dealer:
Roberto Perez, Cleveland Indians catchers ready to step forward behind the plate — CLEVELAND, Ohio — Roberto Perez has waited five seasons for his opportunity, and after the Cleveland Indians traded away All-Star catcher Yan Gomes in November, the Tribe's starting spot behind the plate …
RELATED:
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Mike Clevinger: Indians' roster moves show front office smart, adaptive to change
Nathaniel Rakich / FiveThirtyEight:
We Built A Polling Model ... For The Baseball Hall Of Fame — We analyze elections here at FiveThirtyEight, and we're not about to miss one — even if it takes place in the world of baseball. On Tuesday, the Hall of Fame's full Class of 2019 will be announced, and Mariano Rivera …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, baseballmusings.com and The Crawfish Boxes
RELATED:
Jesse Yomtov / USA Today:
Baseball Hall of Fame countdown: Mariano Rivera could break voting record
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and MLB Baseball News …
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
‘It is amazing’: The miracle of the '69 Cubs is how much they're beloved — even 50 years later — A black cat walks past Cubs third baseman Ron Santo during a game against the Mets on Sept. 9, 1969, at Shea Stadium in New York. (UPI) — Chicago Tribune
Thom Loverro / Washington Times:
Former Nationals pitcher needs help from players union to stay alive — ANALYSIS/OPINION: — Micah Bowie used to run around the upper deck inside RFK Stadium to stay in shape when he was a Washington Nationals reliever in 2006 and 2007. He remembers running by one of the white seats …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Nationals Pastime
