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.

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 …

Jason Hammel gets minor league deal from Rangers with spring invite  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Free agent right-hander Jason Hammel has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers and will report to major league spring training.  —  Texas announced the deal Friday …

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.

Told of girl's assault at spring training hotel, Gabe Kapler, Dodgers didn't alert police  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — In February 2015, according to a police report and emails obtained through open records requests, a 17-year-old girl sent an alarming email to Gabe Kapler, then director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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.

Inside 37-year-old pitcher Luke Hagerty's improbable comeback story  —  THE HAGERTY HOUSEHOLD, located in a small Ohio town named Defiance, operates under a short but firm set of tenets.  The first involves work.  Hagertys work.  Hartsell Dodrill, Bretta Hagerty's father …

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

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.

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.