Top News:
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.
RELATED:
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 …
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.
RELATED:
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.
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.
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Bryce Harper meets with San Diego Padres, sources say
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score and Sportsnet.ca
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, Athletics Nation, FanGraphs Baseball and House of Houston
RELATED:
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
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
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.
RELATED:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Sign Tony Barnette, Outright Ian Clarkin
Discussion:
Cubs Insider and MLB Daily Dish
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 …
Washington Post:
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.
Discussion:
Kaplifestyle, Phillies Nation, The Good Phight, Bleacher Report, Whittier Daily News, The Comeback and baseballmusings.com
