Top News:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Avila, Escobar homer in Diamondbacks' win over White Sox — Diamondbacks (ss) 7, White Sox 3 — At the plate: C Alex Avila and 3B Eduardo Escobar each connected for their first home run of the spring. Avila hit his on a line to the opposite field in the third inning.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
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Matt Layman / Arizona Sports:
Diamondbacks still sorting out Opening Day battery
Diamondbacks still sorting out Opening Day battery
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Aaron Hicks misfortune creates massive Yankees ripple effect — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Aaron Hicks is not going to be ready for the first weekend of the season. — The center fielder needed a second cortisone shot for lower back discomfort on Sunday, meaning he will not have time to be ready …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and New Jersey Online
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George A. King III / New York Post:
Clint Frazier? Wade? Aaron Hicks injury forces Yankees into decision
Clint Frazier? Wade? Aaron Hicks injury forces Yankees into decision
Discussion:
Rotoworld.com
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Despite seasonal expectation, Dellin Betances' pitching still lacking speed — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Pitching in a game for the first time in a week after issues with his velocity, Dellin Betances got on the mound at Spectrum Field to face Bryce Harper right away.
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Jacoby Ellsbury touches down in Yankee town for spring — Jacoby Ellsbury was sighted in the Yankees clubhouse Sunday morning. The outfielder who missed all of last season because of injuries arrived at the complex to begin his introduction to baseball activities after dealing …
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
With ongoing competitions, Cincinnati Reds outfielders standing out during spring training — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - It's the elephant in the room that Reds outfielders don't talk about or even try to think about. — There are six outfielders with Major League experience and there is only so much playing time to go around.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Gant's outing lacks efficiency — JUPITER, Fla. • The days are dwindling to a precious few in the several battles for roster spots on the Cardinals' 25-man roster. — One contest, for the fifth starting slot, clearly seems to be between righthander John Gant, who pitched Sunday …
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
A near no-hitter leaves Cardinals' lineup searching for its upswing this spring — JUPITER, Fla. • Before unveiling the lineup for Sunday's game against Miami, manager Mike Shildt and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt talked about the spot in the order that was going to be “a big deal” in that day's conversation.
Associated Press:
MLB: Liam Hendriks, Oakland Athletics ready to prove doubters wrong — TOKYO — Amid all the hoopla surrounding Suzuki Ichiro's return to Japan with the Seattle Mariners, it's been easy to overlook something else: the Oakland Athletics are here, too. — The A's are used to being seen as the also-rans, and even relish it.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Kevin Acee / Sacramento Bee:
Padres expect a lot of Garrett Richards, including him helping out this season — The Padres almost certainly will have the youngest starting rotation in the majors this spring. — It is conceivable they begin the season with two rookies, two pitchers in their second season and an old man who has made eight big-league starts.
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Seager ‘absolutely’ set for opener, Roberts says — GLENDALE, Ariz. — Corey Seager, who spent most of the 2018 season recovering from major elbow surgery, will “absolutely” be ready by Opening Day, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday morning.
Discussion:
Sporting News, Los Angeles Times and True Blue LA
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Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
After struggles of 2018, Dodgers' Austin Barnes feels more like himself at the plate
After struggles of 2018, Dodgers' Austin Barnes feels more like himself at the plate
Discussion:
DodgerBlue.com
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Pete Alonso proves he belongs in the big leagues — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Other than a fundamental pursuit of forcing the Mets' hand, Pete Alonso had a personal goal he set out to accomplish in Mets camp. — Alonso said it was his intention to feel like he belonged with the team this spring.
Cindy Boren / Chicago Tribune:
Philly being Philly as fans hurl threats at pitcher who struck Bryce Harper — The Washington Post — An errant pitch left Phillies fans hurling dire threats and garden-variety invective at Trent Thornton after he struck the ankle of their prized free agent Bryce Harper mere days into his career in Philly.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
‘We want to carry the innings load’: Cubs starters vow to relieve brittle bullpen — Chicago Tribune — Relief may be on the way for the Cubs' fragile bullpen. — That aid could come from within the organization in the form of an invigorated starting rotation that often failed to pitch …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
5 takeaways from Cubs spring training, including Addison Russell's spring challenges and letting Javier Baez do his thing — Chicago Tribune — Here are five takeaways from Cubs spring training Sunday: — Russell's playing time in spring training will decrease soon …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and MLB Baseball News …
Adam Grosbard / Orange County Register:
UC Irvine to face Kansas State in first round of NCAA Tournament in San Jose — Anteaters are seeded 13th, and open the tourney on Friday — IRVINE - UC Irvine entered its watch party to the school fight song performed by the band, wearing their Big West championship shirts and hats …
Discussion:
Whittier Daily News, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, SGV Tribune and Daily News
Don Brennan / Toronto Sun:
Blue Jays acquire pitcher from Kansas City, Travis has knee surgery — DUNEDIN, Fla. — There was plenty of news from Blue Jays camp Sunday morning. — First, the team announced the hard-luck story of Devon Travis is continuing, as the second baseman had surgery to repair a torn meniscus …
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Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Acquire Jason Adam; Devon Travis, Mark Leiter Jr. Undergo Surgery
Blue Jays Acquire Jason Adam; Devon Travis, Mark Leiter Jr. Undergo Surgery
Discussion:
Royals Review and Bluebird Banter