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, Talking Chop, Bleacher Nation and DodgerBlue.com
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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.
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:
NBCSports.com and The Sports Daily
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Jason Rollison / Bucs Dugout:
Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Nick Franklin to a Minor-League Deal — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed infielder Nick Franklin to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Spring Training — The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced a minor league deal (with an invite to ST) with INF Nick Franklin.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Andrew Seligman / Associated Press:
Outfielder Brandon Guyer agrees to a minor-league deal with the White Sox — The Clevelands' Brandon Guyer fields a ball during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Astros on Oct. 8, 2018. (David Dermer / AP) — A person familiar with the situation says outfielder Brandon Guyer has agreed …
Randy Miller / Associated Press:
MLB rumors: New suitor for Bryce Harper; Front-runner for Manny Machado? Phillies in on J.T. Realmuto? — RHP Jake Barrett — Adrian Beltre, 3B — Advance Local — Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 5/25/18) …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, NBCSports.com, MLB Daily Dish and NESN.com
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Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Yankees are content without Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, says Aaron Boone: 'We're a complete team'
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and Pinstripe Alley
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
MLB's free agency freeze is an embarrassment for baseball
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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, DRaysBay and NESN.com
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Sporting News:
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
Discussion:
Red Reporter, The Sports Daily, The Good Phight and DodgerBlue.com
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
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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:
Whittier Daily News
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.
Discussion:
Dallas Morning News
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
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:
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 …
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 …
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