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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Thomas Bassinger / Tampa Bay Times:
FIRST LOOK: MLB's onfield 2019 St. Patrick's Day caps — Here's a glimpse at the new looks for the Rays, Yankees, Phillies and others. — Every spring training, Major League Baseball cashes in on, er, celebrates St. Patrick's Day by issuing a new collection of onfield caps.
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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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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