Top News:
Ben Frederickson / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Leadoff is Carpenter's, but Cardinals' Bader enjoys chance to set table — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. • Let the record show that Matt Carpenter's non-batting-gloves-wearing grip remains locked to the leadoff role he has thrived in as a Cardinal. — Manager Mike Shildt, unlike his predecessor …
RELATED:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wainwright, Ponce de Leon both to start against Astros — JUPITER, Fla. • Cardinals bench coach Oliver Marmol will have more of the “A” team Friday night as the Cardinals engage in a split-squad doubleheader with the Houston Astros. One game will be here at 5:05, Central time …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Another strong outing for Wacha, who might be in Cards camp for last time — JUPITER, Fla. • Michael Wacha seems to be having more fun in the Cardinals' clubhouse this spring than he probably ever has. — Part of that surely could attest to his side feeling good …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Dodgers' Seager plays SS for 1st time since April — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Corey Seager played shortstop in a game for the first time since April 29, logging three innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a minor league exhibition. — The 2016 NL Rookie of the Year had surgery May 4 to repair …
RELATED:
Jorge Castillo / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers' split squads defeat Reds and Padres at spring training
Dodgers' split squads defeat Reds and Padres at spring training
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager takes big step in recovery
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager takes big step in recovery
Discussion:
True Blue LA, Daily Breeze, DodgerBlue.com and SGV Tribune
Associated Press:
Taylor to get MRI, testing Nats' thin depth at OF — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Washington Nationals outfielder Michael A. Taylor favored his left leg as he limped through the clubhouse Friday before heading to have an MRI on his sore knee and hip. — Manager Dave Martinez called the test precautionary …
RELATED:
Mark Zuckerman / Nationals Pastime:
Taylor injures left knee making diving catch (updated)
Taylor injures left knee making diving catch (updated)
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Eddie Matz / ESPN:
Life after Harper? Juan Soto can be what Bryce was ... and more
Life after Harper? Juan Soto can be what Bryce was ... and more
Discussion:
NBCSports.com
Adam Grosbard / Orange County Register:
Jordan Roberts' game-winner completes Long Beach State's comeback win over Hawaii at Big West Tournament — ANAHEIM — An 18-point deficit in the opening minutes seemed to spell doom for Long Beach State against Hawaii in the Big West Tournament quarterfinals Thursday night.
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Albert Almora Jr. leading off for Cubs against White Sox; David Bote will start at shortstop — Chicago Tribune — Albert Almora Jr. will lead off Friday when the Cubs travel to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., to face the White Sox. — Almora went -for-3 from the ninth spot Thursday …
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Theo Epstein is impressed by the Cubs' bullpen depth — so don't expect any late additions
Theo Epstein is impressed by the Cubs' bullpen depth — so don't expect any late additions
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Charlotte Knights / The Charlotte Observer:
Gabriel Burns: Why can't Ronald Acuna be the 2019 MVP? — BY GABRIEL BURNS THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION — Tuesday was the typical afternoon for Ronald Acuna. Before homering in his second consecutive game, he drew oohs and awes in batting practice, twice putting balls over the mountainous scoreboard in center field.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Mets backup shows why he is a ‘dangerous weapon to have’ — JUPITER, Fla. — J.D. Davis' usefulness to the Mets this season could be largely dependent upon his ability to produce off the bench. In that regard, he passed a test of sorts Thursday. — Davis' RBI double in the eighth …
RELATED:
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Zack Wheeler picking up where he left off for Mets
Ken Davidoff / New York Post:
What Judge, Yankees think about HR Derby winner getting $1 million — TAMPA — A pinstriped update on the 2019 Home Run Derby, in the wake of Thursday's announcement there will be $2.5 million in prize money, including $1 million for the winner, added to the proceedings: —Aaron Judge is very likely out.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and baseballmusings.com
Chris McCosky / Detroit News:
Tigers' Fulmer hopeful, but odds are against him starting season on time — Lakeland, Fla. - On the walk-up to the TigerTown administrative offices at about 7:30 Friday morning, out in the mist on the short field alongside the batting cages, was Michael Fulmer, in uniform, throwing long toss in preparation for a bullpen session.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
It's a Miracle! News finally catches up with Jerry Grote, the hard-to-find catcher from the '69 Mets — CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Texas twang on the other side of the phone line was unmistakingly Jerry Grote's, even if the former Mets catcher himself has not been heard from in more than 30 years.
SNY:
Steven Matz looks to regroup as Mets take on Nationals — Steven Matz and the Mets face Jeremy Hellickson and the Washington Nationals in a Grapefruit League game on Friday at 1:10 p.m. at First Data Field. — Mets notes — Dominic Smith is tied with J.D. Davis for the team lead with eight RBIs. ...
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Eduardo A. Encina / Tampa Bay Times:
The Rays' latest challenge to baseball convention: Four outfielders — Tampa Bay could potentially use the alignment against 15-20 hitters this season. — PORT CHARLOTTE — Spring training is the time to experiment, and the Rays are never afraid to try something different.
Discussion:
DRaysBay
Robert Klemko / Sports Illustrated:
The Big Ben Problem in Pittsburgh, According to Two Ex-Steelers — Two generational talents have officially left the organization, and two other ex-Steelers point to the quarterback as the root of the franchise's problems. — In the social media storm that comes with the first days of free agency, a lot can fly under the radar.
Discussion:
USA Today, New York Post, CBS Pittsburgh and NESN.com
New York / Boston Globe:
MLB changes All-Star selection process and pace-of-play rules for 2019 — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — In a tangible sign of cooperation between the commissioner's office and a skeptical players' association, MLB and the union announced several rule changes Thursday that will affect the trading deadline …