Top News:
Associated Press:
Ball from Jose Bautista's bat flip sells at auction for $28,252 — The home run ball that prompted Jose Bautista's notorious bat flip in 2015 has sold at auction for more than $28,000. — According to the Lelands auction house website Saturday, there were 17 bids. The winning one went for $28,252.
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Drew Davison / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
You'll be surprised by how much Jose Bautista's ‘bat flip’ ball sold for — You could buy a new car. Or put a substantial down payment on a house. Or a countless number of other things with $28,000. — For one avid baseball collector, though, that price is worthy of a baseball.
Associated Press:
A's closer Blake Treinen wins arbitration case, to make $6.4M — OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Athletics closer Blake Treinen will receive a $6.4 million salary for 2019 after winning his arbitration case. — Treinen's case was heard Friday. He asked arbitrators Steven Wolf …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
Bryce Miller / The Charlotte Observer:
Padres need to make statement by signing Machado or Harper — This is your chance, Padres. This is the moment, if you land Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, to show a grumbling fan base with the patience of craft beer-drinking saints that things truly are different.
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Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
The players destroyed free agency and now only a real cap can get baseball back on track — Here we are, two weeks away from pitchers and catchers, and there are 120 or so free agents out there still unsigned, including Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Dallas Keuchel, Adam Jones, Mike Moustakas and Craig Kimbrel.
Brandon Kochkodin / Bloomberg:
The $300 Million Paydays Eluding Bryce Harper and Manny Machado
Associated Press:
Former Oriole Wade Miley and Will Harris together again with Astros — Milwaukee Brewers starter Wade Miley pitches during the first inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Houston Astros have agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the 32-year-old left-hander.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Athletics Nation
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Chandler Rome / Houston Chronicle:
Wade Miley appears to be a comfortable fit with Astros — Dressed in blue jeans and donning a cap to cover his scruffy, blond head of hair, Wade Miley accepted a No. 20 jersey and the expectation to stabilize the back of a rotation. He buttoned the uniform and fielded the first few inquiries of his Astros career.
Discussion:
The Athletic and The Crawfish Boxes
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
RedsXtra: More moves are likely coming with so many free agents available — The guess here is the Reds have another move or two left in them before pitchers and catchers report. — As far as what those moves will be, I've got no guess. I don't think they'll sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers: Michael Fulmer trade among 5 bold predictions for 2019 — Who will start for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 after their offseason acquisitions — LAKELAND, Fla. — With a little over a week left before pitchers and catchers report here for Spring Training on Feb. 12 …
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Report: Former Reds relief pitcher J.J. Hoover reaches deal with Washington Nationals — The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor-league deal with right-handed pitcher J.J. Hoover - who spent the first five seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds …
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals To Sign J.J. Hoover
George Castle / Chicago Tribune:
Niles West grad George Kontos gets to work after signing minor-league deal with Chicago Cubs — George Kontos, seen here pitching for San Francisco against the Cubs during the 2016 National League Division Series, will have a chance to make the Cubs' roster this spring. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)
Curly W Live:
Washington Nationals Announce New Backpack Policy — Nationals CommunicationsBlockedUnblockFollowFollo wing — Today, the Washington Nationals announced that beginning with the 2019 season backpacks may not be brought into Nationals Park, except as otherwise provided in the Nationals Bag Policy.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Washington Post and Federal Baseball
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays Tales: Let's play ‘would you rather’ with the revamped lineup — Out with the old, in with the new ... or vice versa? — ST. PETERSBURG — Barring what would be an unexpected deal at this point, the Rays appear content with their remixed lineup. — And, naturally, happy about their moves …
Associated Press:
Cubs add bullpen help, agree to $750,000 deal with Tony Barnette — CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have added bullpen help, agreeing to a $750,000, one-year contract with right-hander Tony Barnette. The deal contains an option, escalator and bonus opportunities that could raise its value to $4.5 million over two seasons.
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