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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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.
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
Barry Svrluga / Baltimore Sun:
What do you call a game in which half the participants …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
Drew Davison / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Journeyman Jason Hammel agrees to minor-league deal with Texas Rangers — The Texas Rangers added another arm to the pitching mix Friday. — Veteran right-hander Jason Hammel reached a minor-league deal with an invitation to big league spring training, the Rangers announced.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers, Matt Davidson Agree To Minor League Deal — The Rangers have agreed to a minor league contract with corner infielder Matt Davidson, tweets ESPN's Jeff Passan. He'll presumably head to Major League Spring Training, and, interestingly, will work as both an infielder and a pitcher with his new organization, according to Passan.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, NBCSports.com and Lone Star Ball
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
RELATED:
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.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds nearing deal with lefty reliever Zach Duke — Mandatory Credit: Shane Roper-USA TODAY Sports (Photo: Shane Roper, Shane Roper-USA TODAY Sports) — After successful seasons from veteran relievers Jared Hughes and David Hernandez last year, the Reds are hoping they can find value from another experienced reliever.
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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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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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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, Talking Chop, Sporting News and NESN.com
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 …
