Top News:
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Sources: MLB and players discussing rule changes that could alter game — Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are discussing potentially drastic changes to the on-field game and economic landscape of the sport in the middle of a collective bargaining agreement …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Bleacher Nation and DodgerBlue.com
RELATED:
Ken Rosenthal / The Athletic:
Three-batter requirement for all pitchers, universal DH part of proposals that could bring big change to baseball — The left-on-left specialist — a left-handed reliever who sometimes faces only one left-handed hitter — soon might be an endangered species in Major League Baseball.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Bleacher Nation, Purple Row, Over the Monster, NBCSports.com, Bless You Boys, Redleg Nation and MLB Baseball News …
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Yankees' Aaron Judge would welcome fellow right fielder Bryce Harper — As Bryce Harper's free agency trudges along, New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge was asked about what it might take to bring the left-handed hitter — who plays the same position as Judge — to the Bronx.
RELATED:
Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Yankees are content without Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, says Aaron Boone: 'We're a complete team' — As any barroom pool shark will tell you, so long as the 8-ball remains on the table the game is not over. — In the cases of the free agencies of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado …
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and Pinstripe Alley
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
MLB's free agency freeze is an embarrassment for baseball
MLB's free agency freeze is an embarrassment for baseball
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
TMZ.com:
Aaron Judge Pitches Bryce Harper to Sign with the Yankees
Aaron Judge Pitches Bryce Harper to Sign with the Yankees
Discussion:
Sporting News, New York Post, baseballmusings.com, Pinstripe Alley and Bleacher Report
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Way-too-early 2019 All-Stars: Manny Machado and Bryce Harper will start for ...?
Rotoworld.com:
Offseason Lowdown: Get Paid — At least someone is getting paid. — As we wait for literally anything to happen on the free agent market, arbitration cases are working themselves out between clubs and players. And while no teams seem willing to voluntarily lay out money for players' services …
Discussion:
Crossing Broad, NESN.com and Phillies Nation
RELATED:
Morning Call / Baltimore Sun:
Report: Phillies engaged in trade talks regarding J.T. Realmuto — The Major League Baseball offseason seems to have ground to a complete stop as the league waits with bated breath for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado to pick their destinations. — The Phillies are waiting too …
Sporting News:
MLB trade rumors: Phillies recently checked on J.T. Realmuto
MLB trade rumors: Phillies recently checked on J.T. Realmuto
Discussion:
The Good Phight, Phillies Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Reports: Philadelphia Phillies return to J.T. Realmuto trade talks
Reports: Philadelphia Phillies return to J.T. Realmuto trade talks
Discussion:
Red Reporter, The Sports Daily, The Good Phight and DodgerBlue.com
Associated Press:
White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech throws for first time since surgery — CHICAGO — White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech is throwing again after the touted prospect had Tommy John surgery in September. — The team says Kopech had his first throwing session since the operation on Tuesday …
RELATED:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox, Brandon Guyer Agree To Minor League Deal — The White Sox have agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Brandon Guyer, as Stadium's Dave Ross first tweeted. He'll presumably head to Major League Spring Training and compete for a roster spot.
Discussion:
The Sports Daily and MLB Baseball News …
Associated Press:
Former Cubs closer Lee Smith ‘still in awe’ after touring Baseball Hall of Fame — Lee Smith had seen the Hall of Fame several times. This visit was completely different. — “I'm still in awe,” Smith said after the tour Tuesday, in preparation for his July induction.
Discussion:
Sporting News
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Local leaders want action — not just words — from the Cubs in response to Joe Ricketts' racist and Islamophobic emails — Chicago Tribune — An apology won't be enough for Muslim leaders in Chicago should they get their wish to meet as soon as next week with Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Astros' Carlos Correa, Rays' Tommy Pham win arbitration cases — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and Tampa Bay outfielder Tommy Pham have won their salary arbitration cases. — The decisions Tuesday gave players a 3-1 lead over teams in cases this winter.
Discussion:
Houston Chronicle
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
There's a clear front-runner to be Rangers' center fielder. Will he benefit from new manager? — Everything that Delino DeShields needs to become a big-league regular appears to be in place. — He has the speed, the work ethic and the bloodlines. He has a sharp mind and an openness to learning.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
2019 Cincinnati Reds questions: Who will be the Opening Day starter? — Editor's note: With Spring Training approaching, we'll answer an important question about the Cincinnati Reds each day until pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12. Today's question: Who will be the Opening Day starter?
Associated Press:
Tobias Harris' late basket caps Clippers' comeback win against Hornets — CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Still not quite healed from a shoulder strain he suffered last week, Tobias Harris came up big for the Clippers. — Harris scored 34 points, including a running jumper in the lane with 4.3 seconds remaining …
Discussion:
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Broderick Turner / Los Angeles Times:
Lakers pull out of Anthony Davis trade talks amid ‘outrageous’ requests by Pelicans … The Lakers have pulled out of conversations aimed at trying to acquire New Orleans All-Star forward Anthony Davis because of the Pelicans' “outrageous” trade requests, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Discussion:
Arizona Sports, KNBR-AM, NESN.com, The Big Lead, CBS Boston, Orange County Register and Sportsnet.ca
RELATED:
Chris Mannix / Sports Illustrated:
Inside the Celtics' Pursuit of Anthony Davis
Inside the Celtics' Pursuit of Anthony Davis
Discussion:
NESN.com and Celtics Wire