Top News:
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Dellin Betances late getting to Yankees spring training after his wife gives birth — TAMPA, Fla. - New father Dellin Betances wasn't present for the Yankees first pitchers and catchers workout on Thursday, following the birth of his son. — Janisa and Dellin Betances welcomed Dellin Jr …
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Daily Record:
New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez entering a pivotal season — TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees Universe will quickly recall Gary Sanchez's lost 2018 season, but the catcher has dropped it from memory. — “There's no reason to keep dwelling on the past, or that year,” said Sanchez, speaking through an interpreter on Thursday.
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Yankees bring Pat Roessler back into the fold after veteran hitting coach was dumped by the Mets — TAMPA - The Yankees are bringing Pat Roessler home. The former Mets hitting coach was unexpectedly fired last November, shortly after the team hired new GM Brodie Van Wagenen.
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Jordan Montgomery's goal? To be the Yankees' second-half splash — TAMPA, Fla. — Since Jordan Montgomery learned last May he would be shut down to undergo Tommy John surgery, the New York Yankees starting pitcher has had one goal: to get back for the second half.
Discussion:
Associated Press
Chuck Schilken / Los Angeles Times:
Trevor Bauer accuses Indians of ‘character assassination’ during arbitration hearing — All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer won his salary arbitration hearing with the Cleveland Indians this week, getting a $7-million raise over last year, but said Thursday he's unhappy with the way he was treated toward the end of the process.
Discussion:
USA Today and Sporting News
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Associated Press:
After getting big deal, Aaron Nola ready to chase titles with Phillies — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Aaron Nola hopes to win titles with the Philadelphia Phillies, and a four-year, $45 million contract will give him a chance. — “This is pretty surreal and special for me,” the pitcher said Thursday, a day after agreeing to the deal.
Discussion:
ESPN
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Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jacob deGrom stumbles through his answer as Mets ace is quizzed about a self-imposed innings limit if he doesn't get new deal — PORT ST. LUCIE - Mickey Callaway officially announced on Thursday that Jacob deGrom is the Mets' Opening Day starter, and that was expected.
Brian T. Smith / Houston Chronicle:
GM Jeff Luhnow confirms Astros almost added Bryce Harper in 2018 — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Bryce Harper is the biggest name in baseball right now, despite still being an unsigned free agent as spring training begins for the 2019 season. — Manny Machado, Dallas Keuchel, Marwin Gonzalez …
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Houston Chronicle
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Eduardo A. Encina / Tampa Bay Times:
Don't count the Yankees out on Manny Machado, Bryce Harper until they sign elsewhere
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Why Yankees believe Gary Sanchez will rebound from ugly season
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Pinstripe Alley
Brian T. Smith / Houston Chronicle:
Smith: Great expectations are routine for these Astros
Discussion:
Houston Chronicle
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Tyler Chatwood believes he'll be better for the Cubs in 2019, thanks to correcting a mechanical flaw — Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber discusses a computer projection that predicts the Cubs will finish last in the National League Central this season on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mayers, a ‘reliever of the day,’ offers flexibility to Shildt — JUPITER, Fla. • Manager Mike Shildt has taken to discussing the “reliever of the day,” relative to the volume of potential relievers in the Cardinals' bullpen. The topic du jour Thursday was Mike Mayers …
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David Wellham / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves refresher course: A care package on eve of spring training — The long wait is almost over. — The last we saw the Braves play Oct. 8, when their National League Division Series against the Dodgers ended with a loss in Game 4. — When pitchers and catchers report to Champion Stadium …
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers' farm should be gaining steam after 2018 trades, but one publication disagrees — The fine people at Baseball America have revealed their annual rankings of the best farm systems in the game, and the Texas Rangers, after a bevy of trades designed to restock the prospect pool …
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The Amazon Blog:
Update on plans for New York City headquarters — After much thought and deliberation, we've decided not to move forward with our plans to build a headquarters for Amazon in Long Island City, Queens. For Amazon, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires positive …
Discussion:
CBS Chicago, Associated Press, New York Times, CBS New York, WHYY, witf.org and Splinter
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jason Vargas will be the Mets fifth starter, while Peter Alonso will get a shot to win the first base job — PORT ST. LUCIE - Make no mistake about the Mets' fifth starter. — Mickey Callaway completed his team's rotation on Wednesday when he named Jason Vargas the Mets' No. 5 starter heading into Opening Day.
Discussion:
The Sports Daily
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Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
The Mets are hoping Jason Vargas can bounce back in 2019, recapture All-Star form
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training: Who are these fresh-faced pitchers? — LAKELAND, Fla. — The first thing you noticed when walking into the Detroit Tigers' clubhouse at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday was a sign displaying the team's intentions to win the World Series
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Chris Thomas / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' talent level hits 12-year high as rebuild continues
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
MLB teams live in fear of the ‘albatross’ contract. Yet such situations are largely a myth. — As unemployed superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain on their off-season grinds at undisclosed, poorly-lit indoor locations, the rest of Major League Baseball has reported for business …
Bob Brookover / The Charlotte Observer:
Gabe Kapler 2.0: More boundaries and more pressure for Phillies manager — It is way too late to say the honeymoon is over because that ended before Gabe Kapler managed his first game in Philadelphia. By the time he got to Citizens Bank Park following the Phillies' season-opening road trip …
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Angry over Cubs' Sinclair TV plan? Be thankful for The Score's Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer — Photos of the Cubs at spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., before the 2019 season. — Chicago Tribune — Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer's Cubs broadcasts on WSCR-AM 670 will remain as free as sunshine and a summer breeze.
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Courier-Journal:
Brewers trying to keep rival Cubs fans out of Miller Park again — The Milwaukee Brewers have made it clear: They would prefer the least amount of Chicago Cubs fans to fill Miller Park as possible. — In a statement released Wednesday, the Brewers announced presale tickets for their 10 home dates …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball, CBS Chicago and MLB Baseball News …
