Top News:
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Yanks' Diehl thought trade to Rockies was prank — TAMPA, Fla. — At first, Phillip Diehl was in disbelief. — When New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone called the slim 24-year-old lefty into his office Saturday afternoon and said the words, “We're trading you,” Diehl thought …
Discussion:
New York Post and Pinstripe Alley
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Yankees grab outfield depth by dealing pitching prospect for Rockies' Mike Tauchman — TAMPA - The Yankees addressed their outfield depth Saturday, acquiring Mike Tauchman from the Rockies for minor league lefty Phillip Diehl. — Having to rely on Brett Gardner, 35, the Yankees wanted insurance in case he wears down.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Yankees have roster spots for pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Domingo German and Luis Cessa
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Greg Bird scratched from Yankees lineup ... but don't worry, he's fine
George A. King III / New York Post:
CC Sabathia may start serving five-game suspension on Opening Day
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and MLB Trade Rumors
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Redbirds have to hope for the best in the outfield — The Cardinals are presuming many things here. For one, they are thinking Marcell Ozuna's arm will be better than last year, when baserunners took liberties with him. It appeared this spring that it was somewhat better.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
No more debate, Carpenter is leadoff man — Matt Carpenter isn't exactly firing rockets to first base yet, but his throws to first no longer require a fair-catch signal as they did last year. His throwing arm is as strong as it's been in years — he thinks it's average for a third baseman …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards need Wong on the field — There is no question that Kolten Wong, starting his sixth season, has reached elite status as a defender after some erratic play earlier in his career. It used to be that Wong would make the spectacular play and not the routine one, but he makes them all now.
Bill Whitehead / Associated Press:
Mets decide Mesoraco, 5 others won't be on opening roster — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — The New York Mets cut five players from major league camp Saturday and informed catcher Devin Mesoraco that he won't be on the opening day roster. — The Mets re-assigned outfielders Carlos Gomez and Rajai Davis …
Discussion:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Report: Devin Mesoraco may retire if New York Mets don't release him
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Giants acquire OF Reed in trade with Twins — SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Michael Reed from Minnesota on Saturday while sending outfielder John Andreoli and cash to the Twins. — In addition, San Francisco dealt Matt Joyce to Atlanta for cash.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe, True Blue LA and ABC7
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Associated Press:
Goldschmidt, Cards finalize $130M extension — JUPITER, Fla. — Paul Goldschmidt wanted to stay in St. Louis, just like Mark McGwire, Jim Edmonds and Matt Holliday. — Acquired in December from Arizona, the six-time All-Star first baseman gave up a chance to become a free agent after this season …
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Contract extension for Goldschmidt evolved from a casual conversation — JUPITER, Fla. • Previous attempts to offer or acquire the largest contract in club history had sent John Mozeliak to Nashville for a foody dinner, to Los Angeles to stump for the Cardinals, or just back and forth …
Bob Nightengale / Corpus Christi Caller-Times:
Justin Verlander nearing two-year, $66 million extension with Astros — Justin Verlander is set for a two-year, $66 million extension with the Houston Astros that will keep him with the club through the 2021 season, an official familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.
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Don Brennan / Toronto Sun:
Ottawa's “Demi” Orimoloye may be first African-born player in MLB one day — DUNEDIN, Fla. — The list of pro athletes who have found out they've been traded during a game must be relatively short. — Not only is Oluwademilade Oluwadamilola “Demi” Orimoloye on it, but beside his name there
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Kevin Acee / The Charlotte Observer:
Fernando Tatis Jr. makes a run for Padres roster — Padres decision makers have for almost the entirety of spring training downplayed what Fernando Tatis Jr. is doing and brushed aside any talk of what he might offer the team at this time. — Their admiration and great hopes are tempered …
Associated Press:
March Madness 2019: UC Irvine dubs assistant as its own ‘Sister Jean’ — SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — When UC Irvine made the NCAA Tournament, coach Russell Turner believed his team had many of the same ingredients that fueled Loyola of Chicago's surprising run to the Final Four last year.
Discussion:
Daily Breeze and Orange County Register
Jack Thompson / Associated Press:
Jimenez says contract with White Sox is dream come true — GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago White Sox think Eloy Jimenez is going to be a big-time slugger. — They are so sure they gave the young outfielder a record-breaking deal. — The 22-year-old Jimenez is looking forward …
Mark Kiszla / Denver Post:
For the Rockies to beat L.A. and win first division title, who's the one player that must step up in 2019? — What's the difference between the Rockies and the Dodgers in the National League West? — One stinkin' game, if you ask me. — Or would it be more realistic to suggest …
Discussion:
True Blue LA
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs option former first-round pick Ian Happ to Triple-A Iowa: 'Of course he wasn't happy' — Photos of the Cubs top pick in the 2015 draft, Ian Happ. — Chicago Tribune — Ian Happ hit the first home run of the 2018 major-league season, sending the first pitch of the Cubs-Marlins game …
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Bobby Nightengale / USA Today:
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett out for 2-3 months with a strained groin — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Six days before Opening Day, the Reds learned they will be without one of their top hitters for at least the first two months of the season. — All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett …
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