Top News:
Rotoworld.com:
Lowdown: Reeling in Realmuto — Reeling in Realmuto — While Bryce Harper and Manny Machado continue to languish on the free agent market with no apparent end in sign, it looks like the multitude of trade rumors surrounding Marlins' catcher J.T. Realmuto could finally be gaining traction.
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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.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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.
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.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Keith Law / ESPN:
Keith Law's 2019 ranking of all 30 MLB farm systems — While these rankings are ultimately subjective — this is, after all, my opinion of each system's relative merits — I base them on as broad a collection of information as I can. I've seen many of these prospects …
Discussion:
piratesprospects.com and Talking Chop
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Why isn't Gallo playing third for Rangers? Allow the outfielder to explain — Joey Gallo came up through the minors and made his MLB debut as a third baseman. Despite the Rangers' needs for 2019, Gallo will be playing in the outfield. — Throughout the off-season …
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 …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
ESPN:
Bob Friend, Pirates leader in innings, starts, K's, dies at 88 — PITTSBURGH — Bob Friend, who pitched more innings than anyone else in Pittsburgh Pirates history, died Sunday. He was 88. — The Pirates said Friend died at his home in Pittsburgh. — Friend holds Pirates record for innings …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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
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.
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
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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)
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