Top News:
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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Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jacob deGrom uncertain and less optimistic about contract extension with Mets — ORLANDO - Each and every day the league's biggest superstars are signing contracts with teams, while the future of a reigning Cy Young award winner becomes progressively unclear.
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Here are the best expectations for the Yankees, Mets as they open their seasons
ESPN:
Sources: Sale, Red Sox agree to 5-year extension
Sources: Sale, Red Sox agree to 5-year extension
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Over the Monster
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
As deadline day approaches why can't Mets lock in Jacob deGrom?
As deadline day approaches why can't Mets lock in Jacob deGrom?
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
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:
Associated Press
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Greg Bird scratched from Yankees lineup ... but don't worry, he's fine — TAMPA - Aaron Boone pulled Greg Bird from the lineup Saturday afternoon. — Bird still has some swelling from being hit on his right elbow with a pitch on Wednesday. Boone said that despite seeing Bird handle batting practice …
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Domingo German grinning as Yankees' roster plans materialize — TAMPA — A little before 9 a.m. Saturday, Domingo German walked out of Aaron Boone's office. — The 26-year old high-fived a teammate in the hallway, and even though the Yankees were not ready to announce their final roster moves, the smile gave it away.
George A. King III / New York Post:
CC Sabathia may start serving five-game suspension on Opening Day
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:
Cards ace Mikolas allows two homers but hits one himself in 4-4 tie — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. • Miles Mikolas was tuning up for his first regular season-opening start as a Cardinal next week when he faced the Washington Nationals on Saturday. The intent certainly was to refine …
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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:
ABC7
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Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
What a GM sees when he watches a baseball game — MESA, Ariz. — How does a front-office executive watch a spring training game as compared to the average fan? How is it different than watching a regular-season contest or even a postseason one? On Thursday, Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer gave us …
La Velle E. Neal III / Star Tribune:
Twins trade Michael Reed to Giants for John Andreoli — The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for a pitcher. — TEXT SIZE — FORT MYERS, FLA. - The Twins have traded outfielder Michael Reed to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder John Andreoli and cash considerations.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
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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Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Report: Devin Mesoraco may retire if New York Mets don't release him — Devin Mesoraco has asked the New York Mets to release him, and appears to be considering all options - including retirement - except for a trip to the minors, according to a report via Twitter from MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
Discussion:
The Sports Daily, MLB Trade Rumors and Amazin' Avenue
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Teddy Greenstein / Sacramento Bee:
6 White Sox players who may hold the key to a more successful 2019 season — The 2018 White Sox needed to avert a meltdown in September to avoid 100 losses. They failed to do it, dropping 18 of their last 24 games. But hope and optimism are abundant in the Sox's clubhouse this spring.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and South Side Sox
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Bill Plunkett / Whittier Daily News:
Dodgers come home with 24 of 25 roster spots decided — With Alex Verdugo finally making the team, the final spot in the Dodgers' season-opening bullpen is still unclaimed — GLENDALE, Ariz. — The boxes were packed and the clubhouse all but deserted Saturday morning, the Dodgers' final day in Arizona this spring.
Discussion:
Daily Breeze, True Blue LA and Orange County Register
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Derek Jeter again tries to make the case for why his plan for the Marlins is working — JUPITER, Fla. - On one of the back fields at Roger Dean Stadium, the owner of the Miami Marlins was observing his stable of young pitchers going through the drudgery of spring training PFP drills when he was asked: “So how goes the plan?”
ESPN:
Rays' Duffy (hamstring) to start season on IL — Tampa Bay Rays starting third baseman Matt Duffy will start the season on the injured list with a hamstring injury, manager Kevin Cash announced Saturday. — Duffy was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs focusing on getting production throughout lineup, not finding a leadoff man: ‘We have plenty of good hitters’ — Cubs pitcher Jose Quintana discusses his outing against the Rangers on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
Discussion:
Cubs Insider and Los Angeles Times