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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Jesse Dougherty / Chicago Tribune:
Surprise: Padres emerge as latest team connected to Bryce Harper — The Washington Post — Bryce Harper will meet with the San Diego Padres and representatives of their ownership group on Thursday, according to multiple reports, adding a surprise team to a free agency sweepstakes that's been oddly quiet given its preceding hype.
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 …
Barry Svrluga / Baltimore Sun:
What do you call a game in which half the participants — maybe even the Cubs — aren't trying to win? MLB. — The Washington Post — This baseball offseason, it's not just that Bryce Harper and Manny Machado haven't signed anywhere, even as the calendar flips to February on Friday.
ESPN:
San Diego Padres to meet with free agent Bryce Harper — The San Diego Padres are scheduled to meet with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Thursday in Las Vegas, sources confirmed to ESPN. — The Athletic first reported the news. — EDITOR'S PICKS
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
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.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Why does Cincinnati Reds outfielder Yasiel Puig lick his bats? Allow him to explain. — Standing in front of more than 40 boys and girls at the Reds' urban youth academy Wednesday, Yasiel Puig took questions from the kids about what sports he played growing up, whether he tried Skyline chili and what did he want to do in Cincinnati.
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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 …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Greg Holland to compete for Arizona Diamondbacks' closer's job — (Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports) — Reliever Greg Holland signed as a free agent so late last year that he missed all of spring training. He doesn't think it's a coincidence he struggled to start the season.
Mirjam Swanson / Orange County Register:
Clippers argue OT defensive foul call on Boban Marjonovic added insult to injury — LOS ANGELES — As Lance Stephenson danced near the baseline after converting a layup and drawing a foul on Boban Marjanovic to increase the Lakers' lead to four and maybe five with less than a minute left …
Discussion:
Whittier Daily News and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Carl Willis marvels ‘every day’ at Indians' embarrassment of riches in pitching rotation — Pitching coach Carl Willis marvels ‘every day’ at the Cleveland Indians' embarrassment of riches in the starting rotation. — CLEVELAND — Pitching coach Carl Willis marvels at the Cleveland Indians' embarrassment …
Associated Press:
Mark Reynolds reaches minor league deal with Colorado Rockies — DENVER — First baseman Mark Reynolds said he has agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies. — His deal includes an invitation to major league spring training. If he is added to the Rockies' 40-man roster …
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