Top News:
Wallace Matthews / The Charlotte Observer:
The ghost of Matt Harvey looms over Jacob deGrom contract talks — The bond between Jacob deGrom and Brodie Van Wagenen was expected to be the glue that held the Mets pitching staff together. — But that bond is changing rapidly, and may end up being the wedge that drives them apart.
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Bob Raissman / New York Daily News:
Would Jacob deGrom tarnish his good-guy image by boycotting the media? — If Mets suits and Jacob deGrom don't reach agreement on a contract extension before the season starts, the Cy Young winner could launch a media boycott to express his displeasure over the situation.
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Mickey Callaway is not the only NL East manager who'll be under the microscope — TAMPA - On the first day of spring training, Mickey Callaway reiterated what his boss, Brodie Van Wagenen, first said and all the media pundits have since been echoing: He's supposed to win this year.
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Drew Storen joins Kansas City Royals on minor-league contract — Billy Hamilton, Homer Bailey and now Drew Storen. — The relief pitcher who last pitched in Major League Baseball in 2017 for the Cincinnati Reds - before undergoing Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss all of last season …
Discussion:
Royals Review
RELATED:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Chris Carpenter is a very special assistant for the Cardinals — JUPITER, Fla. • The Cardinals' Mike Maddux is among the most respected pitching coaches in major league baseball, and former Cardinal Chris Carpenter was one of its most respected pitchers until he retired some six years ago.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
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Associated Press:
Baseball notebook: Severino gets big deal with Yankees — Righthander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
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Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Yankees sign Luis Severino to multiyear extension
Yankees sign Luis Severino to multiyear extension
Discussion:
New York Post and baseballmusings.com
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Freddie Freeman arrives early to camp — It should come as no surprise Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was among the early arrivals to spring training. — Position players aren't required to arrive until Wednesday, but Freeman arrived Friday and held his first media assembly Saturday morning.
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Acuna arrives early for spring training — Ronald Acuna arrived early to spring training Saturday, launching his highly anticipated sophomore campaign. — The 21-year-old Braves outfielder hit over .400 last spring. He didn't join the big league club until late-April …
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
Loss of DJ LeMahieu, CarGo means the Rockies will need to find new leaders in 2019 — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Leadership, clubhouse chemistry and a team's mental toughness are difficult to define and even harder to measure. — Nonetheless, I believe that developing those traits …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Meet Zac Houston: The ‘funky’ throwing Detroit Tigers pitcher vying for a bullpen spot — LAKELAND, Fla. — Zac Houston can't really describe his pitching mechanics. — When he tries, he just keeps coming back to “weird” and “funky” and “it's just a lot.”
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
No, the Braves aren't in talks with Craig Kimbrel — In the past two days, the rumor mill has run rampant with a Craig Kimbrel-Braves reunion. It makes sense to a degree: A homecoming for a fan favorite who'd undoubtedly make the bullpen more formidable. — But the Braves and Kimbrel aren't engaged in conversations.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs reliever Junichi Tazawa expected to arrive Monday — Chicago Tribune — Free-agent reliever Junichi Tazawa is expected to arrive Monday at the Cubs' spring training camp. — Tazawa, who signed a minor league contract two weeks ago, has been delayed by visa issues in his native Japan.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Dodgers SS Corey Seager looking to leave difficult season in the past — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Confined to crutches and unable to contribute, Corey Seager found himself in an awkward middle space while his Los Angeles Dodgers advanced to a second consecutive World Series last fall.
John Tomase / WEEI:
Bogaerts on signing extension rather than risking free agency: ‘You obviously have to think about that’ — FORT MYERS, Fla. — We've been discussing a contract extension for Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts since about 2013, which makes it strange that his impending free agency seems to be catching so many of us by surprise.
Discussion:
Union-News, MLB Trade Rumors, Over the Monster, The Athletic and NESN.com
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Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Potential free agent-to-be Brock Holt: I want to be in Boston forever
Potential free agent-to-be Brock Holt: I want to be in Boston forever
Discussion:
NESN.com
Associated Press:
Phillies still sizing up Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, other free agents — CLEARWATER, Fla. — With spring training underway, Philadelphia Phillies president Andy MacPhail is certain his team is built to win right now. — EDITOR'S PICKS — As for adding someone like outfielder Bryce Harper …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: If Manny Machado signs with the White Sox, he'll have to abide by the Renteria Rule — Photos of the White Sox at spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., before the 2019 season. — Chicago Tribune … Rest assured the Sox won't be sending a message like that to Machado …
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Teddy Greenstein / Chicago Tribune:
Ex-Dodgers teammates laud Manny Machado's ‘awesome’ skill and offer varying takes on ‘Johnny Hustle’ comment
Ex-Dodgers teammates laud Manny Machado's ‘awesome’ skill and offer varying takes on ‘Johnny Hustle’ comment
Discussion:
Forbes