Top News:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Aaron Hicks' April 4 return ‘a little ambitious’ says Aaron Boone — TAMPA — Aaron Hicks' goal of being ready on April 4, the first day he would be eligible to come off the disabled list, is “a little ambitious,” his manager said Friday night. The Yankee center fielder has missed nearly three weeks with “chronic,” back pain.
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Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Aaron Hicks further delayed, Clint Frazier optioned as Yankees run through outfield decisions — TAMPA, Fla. - Despite Aaron Hicks' lingering back issues, Clint Frazier's longshot path to the Bronx on opening day has come to an end. — In a series of spring training cuts on Friday …
Toronto Sun:
AP source: Cardinals, Goldschmidt completing US$130M, 5-year deal — The St. Louis Cardinals knew that Paul Goldschmidt had one year left on his contract when they acquired the slugging first baseman in an off-season trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. — They also made no secret of their desire to sign him to a long-term deal.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Baseball first — Shildt dedicated his life to the game he loves — “I love that term,” he said. “The people that I always wanted to be one day were the baseball lifers. The term ‘baseball lifer’ has always been really cool. And as you get older and get more mature in this game and you hear that said about you, it brings a smile.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Jupiter Jackpot: Goldschmidt to become highest-paid Cardinal in franchise history
Discussion:
The Sports Daily
Will Larkin / Chicago Tribune:
Details of Eloy Jimenez's record contract with the White Sox include a $5 million bonus and a potential value of $75M — Photos of Eloy Jimenez, the White Sox outfielder and No. 4-ranked prospect by Baseball America. — Chicago Tribune — The White Sox and Eloy Jimenez made it official Friday afternoon.
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Phil Thompson / Chicago Tribune:
White Sox receive more than 500 fan entries in first 2 hours of tattoo sweepstakes
Associated Press:
Eloy Jimenez, White Sox finalize $43M, 6-year contract
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Teddy Greenstein / Chicago Tribune:
6 White Sox players who may hold the key to a more successful 2019 season
Discussion:
South Side Sox and MLB Baseball News …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wieters wins Cards' backup catcher job over Pena — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. • _Matt Wieters, signed two weeks into spring training, has won the Cardinals' backup catcher job over Francisco Pena, who had it last year. Both were on non-roster contracts in camp with potential opt-outs on Friday.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Before he gets the gold, ‘Goldy’ hits long home run — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. • Paul Goldschmidt's new contract hasn't been announced yet but the Cardinals' first baseman paid the first dividend Friday with a long homer to the opposite field in right center off New York Mets lefthander Hector Santiago in the third inning.
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Here's how Joey Gallo will determine the composition of the Rangers' Opening Day roster — The player who will determine the final shape of the Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster played Friday afternoon for the first time in more than a week, and his postgame report pointed to one thing:
Discussion:
Cincinnati.com
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
'We'll support him through it, but he also has a responsibility to take ownership of this'
Evan Grant / Dallas-Fort Worth Sports News:
Rangers manager Chris Woodward reveals starting rotation order
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
What Calhoun's reaction to his demotion to minors might have told the Rangers
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Associated Press:
National League West capsules — Capsules of National League West teams, listed in order of finish last year: — ___ — Los Angeles Dodgers — 2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series. — Manager: Dave Roberts (fourth season). — He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock …
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Associated Press:
Bregman: Slow market didn't impact Astros deal — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Alex Bregman's decision to sign a long-term contract with the Houston Astros was not impacted by the second slow free-agent market. — “I wanted to play here,” the third baseman said Friday after the team announced a $100 million …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
With his blister healing, Yu Darvish vows to be ready for the Cubs' opening series: 'Even now I'm ready to throw' — Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish discusses his bullpen session and recovery from a blister on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
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Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets still have three relievers fighting for final bullpen spot — PORT ST. LUCIE — Following another early morning roster slash on Friday, the Mets have just 36 players with lockers in big-league camp. — The team will begin assembling it's Opening Day roster with just three Grapefruit League games remaining.
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
As deadline day approaches why can't Mets lock in Jacob deGrom? — PORT ST. LUCIE — As Mets fans consider buying new jerseys for the 2019 season and beyond, can they purchase a No. 48 jersey with full confidence that player will be a part of the team's future?
Orange County Register:
Photos: UC Irvine vs. Kansas State in NCAA Tournament — Sound — The gallery will resume inseconds — Show Caption — of
Discussion:
Associated Press and SGV Tribune
Bradford Doolittle / ESPN:
Risk, legacy and the future of the Red Sox: Five questions about Chris Sale's extension — The free-agent season might have been sluggish once again, but the extension season is smoking hot. With ESPN's Jeff Passan reporting that the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a five-year extension …
Ken Rosenthal / The Athletic:
The Astros want to extend Verlander and Cole; Harper on choosing Philly; more notes — The Astros are discussing extensions with right-handers Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander, according to major-league sources. Of course they are. Seemingly every team is discussing an extension …
Discussion:
Chico Enterprise-Record, Houston Chronicle, MLB Trade Rumors and Bleacher Nation
Don Brennan / Toronto Sun:
CHEAPSEATS: Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman wants butterflies in his stomach, fans in the stands — DUNEDIN, Fla. - Marcus Stroman looks forward to feeling like he's going to puke again. — He also can't wait for all the tossing and turning he'll do in bed the night before it arrives.
