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?
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Mickey Callaway is not the only NL East manager who'll be under the microscope
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press:
Even in bullpen age, several teams still built on starters
Chris Boghossian / Chicago Tribune:
If Manny Machado signs with the White Sox, he'd instantly become Chicago's best player, according to these rankings — Chicago Tribune — Javier Baez is the best Major League Baseball player in Chicago — for now. — The Cubs middle infielder, who finished second to the Brewers' Christian Yelich …
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Scott Boeck / Des Moines Register:
Cardinals' Adam Wainwright: MLB players will strike barring change — St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright became the latest player to voice his concern over the slow free agent market and even forecast a strike midseason. — “Unless something changes, there's going to be a strike …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Sporting News and Sports Illustrated
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Ronald Acuna reiterates desire to stay at leadoff — Ronald Acuna reinvigorated the Braves from the leadoff spot last season. On his first day of spring training Saturday, he doubled down on his desire to stay there. — Two weeks ago, Acuna told reporters he hoped to stay atop the lineup.
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Acuna arrives early for spring training
ESPN:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. shows up early, rakes in BP — After showing up a day early to spring training, the Toronto Blue Jays' top prospect couldn't help but make a splash. Expectations for the son of Hall of Fame outfielder Vladimir Guerrero were already set high before Vladdy Jr. hit …
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Rob Longley / Toronto Sun:
Vlad Guerrero Jr. makes a strong first impression at Blue Jays camp — DUNEDIN, Fla. - It came in the third round of batting practice on his first day at Blue Jays spring training and Vlad Guerrero Jr. certainly left a memorable impression. — Let's just say there is a chance that the biggest …
Chris Nelsen / Detroit Free Press:
Ex-Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander wants to pitch until he's 45. Here's his plan — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady continues to defy logic, winning his sixth Super Bowl title with the New England Patriots earlier this month at the ripe old age of 41.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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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.”
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Yankees GM Brian Cashman with a big tease at spring camp: 'We're never a finished product' — TAMPA - With the team he put together scheduled to all be here in less than 48 hours, Brian Cashman admitted his job is not done. — While the Yankees GM would not specifically discuss Bryce Harper …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
CC Sabathia will let others talk up his Hall of Fame credentials, he just wants another World Series title — TAMPA - CC Sabathia has the finish line in sight. The 38-year-old left-hander officially announced that the 2019 season will be his last. A nagging knee issue …
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Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Yankees' CC Sabathia to retire after 2019 season
Yankees' CC Sabathia to retire after 2019 season
Discussion:
CBS New York and MLB Baseball News …
Associated Press:
Cardinals expect Marcell Ozuna to be ready Opening Day — JUPITER, Fla. — St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna will be on a limited throwing program to start the spring but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, manager Mike Shildt said Saturday.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards have numbers in LH relievers
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
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David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Dustin Pedroia determined as ever to contribute for Red Sox — FORT MYERS, Fla. — The first thing you need to know about Dustin Pedroia's left knee is that it will never be 100 percent again. — “It ain't even my knee. It's somebody else's, bro,” the Red Sox second baseman said Friday …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com
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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ESPN:
Giants agree to deal with Cameron Maybin — The San Francisco Giants have reached a deal to bring 31-year-old free-agent outfielder Cameron Maybin to camp as a non-roster invitee, a source confirms to ESPN. — Maybin, a 12-year veteran, played last season with Miami and Seattle, where he hit .251 and .242, respectively.
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.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
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