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12:40 PM ET, February 12, 2019

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 Top News: 
Chris Thomas / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training: Everything you need to know  —  Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season.  Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press.  —  CONNECT  —  Baseball is back!
Discussion: Denver Post
RELATED:
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
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:   Detroit Tigers look mostly unchanged entering spring training
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 …
RELATED:
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.
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:   Luis Severino aware he may have been tipping pitches last season and is ready to make changes
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:   Zack Britton's name revelation led to demise of original Yankees contract
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.
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Kyle Schwarber plans to be a full-time left fielder, not a DH
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:   Willson Contreras on Cubs' wild-card loss: ‘We needed that kick in the butt’
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Everyone knows Andrus will be Rangers' leader in 2019, but will his bat lead offense?  —  The big Elvis Andrus news this off-season didn't have anything to do with what he was going to do on the field in 2019, but how he was going to take over the leadership duties in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse following …
RELATED:
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.
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
19 questions the Rangers can answer for their future in 2019, including Joey Gallo's ability …
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.
RELATED:
Cincinnati.com:   2019 Cincinnati Reds questions: How many games will they win this year?
Matt Ehalt / NorthJersey.com:
Mets will train Jeff McNeil in outfield to open door for more at-bats  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jeff McNeil used the time leading into spring training to get an early start on his reintroduction to being an outfielder.  —  At a local community college in Nipomo, California …
Discussion: Amazin' Avenue and NBCSports.com
RELATED:
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:   Mets Spring Training: 5 burning questions facing the Amazin's
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:
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 …
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 …
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, NBCSports.com and Deadspin
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
Richard Morin / Arizona Republic:
Three things to watch from the Los Angeles Angels at spring training  —  A brief look at what to expect from the Arizona Diamondbacks at Cactus League spring training.  Information regarding spring training venues, tickets and reporting dates can be found here.  —  Los Angeles Angels
RELATED:
Richard Morin / Arizona Republic:   Three things to watch from the Seattle Mariners at spring training
 
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 More News: 
Mike Berardino / Indianapolis Star:
Notre Dame receiver Javon McKinley arrested
Discussion: Chicago Sun-Times and TMZ.com
Associated Press:
Derek Jeter has ‘zero patience,’ wants competitive Marlins club now
Discussion: Halos Heaven
Maria Torres / Los Angeles Times:
Will new Angels coaches be a hit? ... and other spring training questions
Discussion: baseballmusings.com
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Didi Gregorius takes giant step in rehab
Robert Morales / Orange County Register:
Ducks fire Randy Carlyle, name GM Bob Murray interim coach
Star Tribune:
Twins' young core players in line for multiyear contracts
Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors
 Earlier Picks: 
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal's incredible bat control could fast-track him to the majors …
Discussion: South Side Sox
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Oquendo can see five Gold Gloves in Cards' immediate future
Associated Press:
Nick Hundley agrees to minor league deal with A's
Discussion: ESPN and Athletics Nation
Martin Gallegos / Mercury News:
A's spring training preview: All eyes on Kyler Murray, Jesus Luzardo
Associated Press:
Reliever Brad Brach, Cubs finalize $3M deal
John Minchillo / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Season-long tribute planned to pioneering 1869 Red Stockings
Associated Press:
Stephen Vogt agrees to minors deal with Giants
Discussion: Associated Press
 

 
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People:
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Announces Separation from Husband 3 Months After Prison Release

Jeff Conway / Forbes:
Olivia Colman Reflects On Her Beloved Career: ‘I Have Been Very Lucky’

 
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