Top News:
Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Don't you dare blame the players for MLB's free agency disaster — By Wednesday afternoon, pitchers and catchers will have reported to 29 of the 30 major league baseball spring training camps. (For some reason, the Atlanta Braves don't report until Feb. 15).
RELATED:
Tim Bannon / Chicago Tribune:
Another clue in the Manny Machado mystery: His black-and-white baseball gloves for 2019 — Photos of Manny Machado, one of the top free agents this season. — Chicago Tribune — Manny Machado is now definitely going to sign with the White Sox. — Or the Oakland Raiders.
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:
Sporting News, Phillies Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, The Good Phight, Red Reporter, Deadspin and NBCSports.com
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Baseball is back — except for the 100 or so remaining free agents. Is this the new normal?
Andy Martino / SNY:
Yankees keep checking in on free agent Manny Machado
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, Sporting News, MLB Trade Rumors, NESN.com and The Sports Daily
Associated Press:
Yankees' pitcher Masahiro Tanaka no fan of DH, wants to hit and run at National League ballparks — TAMPA, Fla. — Masahiro Tanaka wants to keep on hitting and running the bases at NL ballparks, hoping use of the designated hitter does not spread to the National League.
Discussion:
Sporting News
RELATED:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Masahiro Tanaka feels the pressure after busy Yankees offseason — TAMPA — Masahiro Tanaka sees the investments the Yankees have made this offseason as enough to challenge their division rival and defending World Series champion Red Sox. — The Yankee right-hander, now a five-year veteran …
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
He's no Ohtani, but Davidson knows what two-way role he wants to fill for Rangers — One thing Matt Davidson wanted to make sure was perfectly clear Tuesday were his intentions as a two-way player. — The Texas Rangers won't have to juggle the next Shohei Ohtani.
RELATED:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Mended Rangers starters know ‘a lot of us you can mark down as question marks’
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
First three Rangers pitchers to watch this spring have similar storyline, elbow scars
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:
Forbes
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training observations: Casey Mize impresses — LAKELAND, Fla. — Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers continued their pre-camp workouts on Tuesday morning, one day before their first formal workout. — Most notable of the bunch was right-hander Casey Mize …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen could play in outfield at end of spring training — GOODYEAR, Arizona - Throughout the offseason, Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen hit in batting cages and completed drills in the outfield to prepare himself for a potential two-way role.
RELATED:
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Tucker Barnhart happy to still be a Cincinnati Red
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Lefty reliever Zach Duke signs 1-year contract with Cincinnati Reds
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs to ‘enhance’ domestic violence training ahead of Addison Russell's return — MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs are taking steps to “enhance” their domestic violence training and awareness in the wake of shortstop Addison Russell being suspended for 40 games late last year after violating the league's domestic abuse policy.
RELATED:
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Jacob deGrom makes double-barreled threat over Mets contract talks … PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob deGrom is putting the Mets on the clock. — After a winter of inactivity in long-term contract discussions, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has informed team officials …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Report, Amazin' Avenue and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets Spring Training: 5 burning questions facing the Amazin's
Discussion:
MLB Baseball 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 …
RELATED:
Rob Longley / Toronto Sun:
Blue Jays prepare for their first big-league dose of Vlad Guerrero Jr. — DUNEDIN, Fla. — He is the 6-foot-1, 200-pound (or thereabouts) baseball monster in the room. — And as the Toronto Blue Jays this week officially launch what by any measure will be as thorough a reboot as possible in the sport …
Associated Press:
Giants catcher Buster Posey hoping for healthy, productive 2019 season — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One day in early November, Buster Posey felt his body respond more normally again as he rehabilitated from season-ending hip surgery. Working out his lower half with a 15-pound dumbbell in his left hand …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
Wilson Ramos upgrades Mets behind the plate, but comes with injury concerns — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Following the 2017 season, Wilson Ramos' offseason workouts focused on strengthening his twice surgically repaired knee. — This offseason, with his right knee in better condition …
