Top News:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
The Yankees could feature the best bullpen in baseball history ... on paper — TAMPA - Luis Severino hesitated. The Yankees ace had to temper his natural instincts a bit and understand what the future may hold for him - and the other starters. While every rotation ace wants to be a workhorse …
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Associated Press:
Yankees reliever Zack Britton now using legal spelling of first name — TAMPA, Fla. — Even Zack Britton gets confused about the proper spelling of his first name. — Known throughout his baseball career as Zach, the 31-year-old New York Yankees reliever said last week that going forward his name should be spelled Zack.
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Bring on spring! After winter of discontent, can Cubs move on? — MESA, Ariz. — Eventually, Willson Contreras got bored. The offseason had gone on long enough. The Chicago Cubs catcher was used to playing baseball deep into the fall, but a team-wide offensive flameout last year led to a long winter.
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
First three Rangers pitchers to watch this spring have similar storyline, elbow scars — Shelby Miller was a National All-Star for the Braves in 2015 before getting traded after the season. He hasn't been the same since, but the Rangers believe he can be effective again.
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Which Detroit Tigers could make the team with a strong spring? — Who will start for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 after their offseason acquisitions — Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the top three dark horses to make the Detroit Tigers' roster in spring training: — 1. Brandon Dixon
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Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Lefty reliever Zach Duke signs 1-year contract with Cincinnati Reds — (Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports) — The Reds signed their first Major League free agent of the offseason Monday. — Left-handed reliever Zach Duke agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract, giving the Reds another lefty option in their bullpen.
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Andy Martino / SNY:
Yankees keep checking in on free agent Manny Machado — Bombers not expected to have highest offer, but they're not out — Hungry for another Manny Machado update? Not really? Well, too bad — we have one. — As Yankees players trickle into spring training, the front office continues …
Discussion:
Sporting News, Pinstripe Alley, MLB Trade Rumors, NESN.com and The Sports Daily
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal's incredible bat control could fast-track him to the majors …
Column: White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal's incredible bat control could fast-track him to the majors …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Tim Bannon / Chicago Tribune:
Manny Machado spotted with Kyle Schwarber at the baptism for Albert Almora's son
Manny Machado spotted with Kyle Schwarber at the baptism for Albert Almora's son
Discussion:
Denver Post and NBCSports.com
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets Spring Training: 5 burning questions facing the Amazin's — Not so far down the list of great American pastimes, beyond baseball and barbecues and lottery scratch-offs, is an old-fashioned summer fireworks show. Fireworks are a funny thing — most of the fun is in the anticipation, the expectation.
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Matt Ehalt / NorthJersey.com:
Mets will train Jeff McNeil in outfield to open door for more at-bats
Mets will train Jeff McNeil in outfield to open door for more at-bats
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and NBCSports.com
Associated Press:
Country music legend Garth Brooks in spring training with Pittsburgh Pirates — BRADENTON, Fla. — Garth Brooks has come out of baseball retirement. — The country music legend will spend just over a week participating in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates, reporting Monday with the pitchers and catchers.
Associated Press:
Pirates announce deal with Melky Cabrera — PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their minor league contract with outfielder Melky Cabrera, who will report to major league spring training. — If added to the 40-man roster, the 34-year-old would get a one-year contract …
Associated Press:
All-Star pitcher Gerrit Cole goes to arbitration with Astros — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pitcher Gerrit Cole has gone to arbitration with the Houston Astros, asking to be given $13.5 million rather than the team's offer of $11,425,000. — Cole made $6.75 million last year when he earned …
Jeff Seidel / Forbes:
Orioles Preview: Baltimore Starting To Rebuild As Spring Training Begins — The first part of the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles begins this season. There's a new man in charge in the front office (Mike Elias), a new man in charge in the dugout (Brandon Hyde), and a plan in place …
Discussion:
Camden Chat
ESPN:
Justin Verlander baffled rebuilding teams won't sign Machado, Harper — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander isn't buying the theory that the market for big free agents is limited by rebuilding teams not being in position to sign stars. … Like last year, the marquee free agents this offseason …
Discussion:
USA Today, Deadspin and NBCSports.com
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Endy Chavez catches on again as Mets minor-league coach — His signature moment as a Met came in the 2006 NLCS, when he reached over the leftfield wall at Shea Stadium to rob the Cardinals' Scott Rolen of a home run. — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Endy Chavez, who made one of the most memorable catches …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Associated Press:
Reliever Brad Brach, Cubs finalize $3M deal — CHICAGO — Brad Brach and the Chicago Cubs have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees the reliever $3 million and could be worth $8 million over two seasons. — Brach gets a $1.65 million salary this year and could earn $1.35 million …
Associated Press:
Nick Hundley agrees to minor league deal with A's — MESA, Ariz. — The Oakland Athletics added depth at catcher on Monday, agreeing to a minor league contract with Nick Hundley. — If added to the 40-man roster, the 35-year-old would get a one-year contract paying a $1.25 million salary while in the major leagues.
Discussion:
ESPN and Athletics Nation