Top News:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards let Shreve go, keep Wieters — • Lefthanded reliever Chasen Shreve was apt to surrender home runs last year, both with the New York Yankees and the Cardinals, who acquired him in the Luke Voit deal. In 52 2/3 innings, Shreve offered up 11 homers, including three in 14 2/3 innings with the Cardinals.
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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.
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:
David Wright relishing Mets' role as go-between for players, front office — PORT ST. LUCIE — To understand where the Mets are heading as a franchise, listen to the words of David Wright. — The now-retired captain has that new role with the club as special adviser. Friday was a good day to watch him at work.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
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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?
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 …
Teddy Greenstein / Chicago Tribune:
6 White Sox players who may hold the key to a more successful 2019 season — Chicago Tribune — 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:
South Side Sox and MLB Baseball News …
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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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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.
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Tim Healey / Newsday:
Mets consider batting Pete Alonso second in order to break up lefties — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — For almost all of his baseball life, 6-3, 245-pound Pete Alonso has batted exactly where one would expect a slugging first baseman to bat: third or fourth, except once when he was 9 and was the leadoff guy for a day for “just some fun.”
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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Toronto Sun:
Reds' Scooter Gennett injures leg, sent for MRI — PHOENIX — Cincinnati Reds All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett injured his right leg while fielding a grounder against Milwaukee and was helped off the field. — Gennett ranged to his left for a ball off the bat of Yasmani Grandal leading off the second inning Friday.
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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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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.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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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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
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.
Associated Press:
Lindor, Kipnis both ruled out for Indians' opener — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cleveland Indians have ruled out star shortstop Francisco Lindor and double-play partner Jason Kipnis for Opening Day. — The team said Friday night that neither player will be ready for Thursday's opener at Minnesota.
ESPN:
Yanks instructor Mazzilli released from hospital — New York Yankees guest hitting instructor Lee Mazzilli was released Friday after spending two nights in the hospital after being struck in the head by a ball during batting practice. — Mazzilli was hurt Wednesday during a workout …