Top News:
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Bryce Harper meets with San Diego Padres, sources say — The San Diego Padres met with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Thursday in Las Vegas, sources familiar with the meeting told ESPN, officially adding a suitor to a list of teams that now numbers four and could expand as spring training approaches.
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David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Why Harper (or Machado) to the Padres isn't as crazy as you think — To his credit, Bryce Harper has at least had some fun with his free-agent status. When TV analyst Tony Romo correctly predicted the Patriots' movements and plays multiple times during the AFC Championship Game, Harper tweeted …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLB Trade Rumors
Arizona Republic:
Bryce Harper was interested in playing for Arizona Diamondbacks, report says — SportsPulse: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado both linger on the market. FTW's Ted Berg explains why the two superstars have yet to find a home. — CONNECT — The Arizona Diamondbacks were linked to MLB superstar free agent Bryce Harper on Thursday.
Barry Svrluga / Baltimore Sun:
What do you call a game in which half the participants …
What do you call a game in which half the participants …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
Jesse Dougherty / Chicago Tribune:
Surprise: Padres emerge as latest team connected to Bryce Harper
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers will wear smaller Old English ‘D’ on caps this season — Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season. Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press. — CONNECT
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
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Chris Thomas / Detroit Free Press:
Denny McLain's 1969 Cy Young Award up for auction. Here's how much it cost — We unearthed thousands of Free Press photo negatives and one sports writer's score book to tell the tale of baseball's greats. “Bless you, boys.” — CONNECT — Owning a piece of history is expensive.
Associated Press:
Angels' Ohtani progressing, won't be ready for opening day — AL Rookie of the Year Shohei Ohtani has been medically cleared to resume full strength training on his right arm following Tommy John surgery, although he will not be ready to hit for the Los Angeles Angels by opening day.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Craig Calcaterra / NBCSports.com:
Shohei Ohtani will not be ready for Opening Day
Associated Press:
How media covered Jackie Robinson's Debut — Thursday marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier. — How some media covered Jackie Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Chandler Rome / Houston Chronicle:
Astros hope Wade Miley is another diamond in the rough — Wade Miley personifies the prototypical pitcher the Astros covet when scouring the free agent market. — In 2016, the Astros uncovered a jewel in 32-year-old journeyman Charlie Morton, to whom they paid $14 million …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and The Crawfish Boxes
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Associated Press:
Batters up: Taylor-Nats, Correa-Astros as arbitration opens — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Houston shortstop Carlos Correa and Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor became the first players of the year to go to salary arbitration hearings. — Correa asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals Win Arbitration Case Against Michael A. Taylor — The Nationals won their arbitration case against outfielder Michael A. Taylor reports MLB Network's Jon Heyman (via Twitter). He'll earn the $3.25MM figure that the team submitted rather than the $3.5MM figure at which he filed.
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Rob Goldberg / Bleacher Report:
MLB Rumors: Craig Kimbrel Pursued by Braves, Phillies, Nationals, Red Sox, More — Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel remains a free agent, but he is gaining significant interest from around the league. — According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies …
Discussion:
Over the Monster, MLB Baseball News …, Talking Chop and Sporting News
Jack Etkin / Forbes:
Nolan Arenado Agrees To A Record $26-Million Contract For An Arbitration Player — Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. — As expected, Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies avoided an arbitration hearing when the star third baseman agreed Thursday to a $26 million contract for the upcoming season.