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9:35 AM ET, November 18, 2019

Ballbug

 Top News: 
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Astros exec suggested using cameras to spy in '17, sources say  —  A high-ranking Houston Astros official asked scouts to spy on opponents' dugouts leading up to the 2017 postseason, hoping to steal signs and suggesting the potential use of cameras to do so, sources familiar with the request told ESPN.
RELATED:
The Athletic:
Astros executive asked scouts for help stealing signs and suggested using cameras, email shows  —  An Astros front-office executive wrote about the team's desire to steal signs in an August 2017 email that was obtained by The Athletic.  As the club discussed its advance scouting plans ahead of the playoffs …
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Rob Manfred's plan to destroy minor league baseball  —  As if they aren't squarely involved in enough transgressions against baseball, we should not be at all surprised to know the Houston Astros — the Jeff Luhnow Houston Astros — were the ringleaders of the MLB plan to essentially destroy …
RELATED:
Dan Barry / New York Times:
Across the Country, Minor League Towns Face Major League Threat  —  M.L.B. says its proposal to sever parent-club ties with 42 teams in its minor league system is necessary to improve conditions over all, but targeted clubs are worried about survival.  —  LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Legends take the mantle of home team seriously.
TC Zencka / MLB Trade Rumors:
Royals Sign Matt Reynolds To Minor League Contract  —  The Kansas City Royals announced the signing of infielder Matt Reynolds to a minor league contract.  Reynolds has previously appeared in the majors with the Mets and Nationals.  —  Reynolds, 29 in December, was a 2nd round draft choice of the New York Mets back in 2012.
Discussion: Royals Review
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers, Edinson Volquez Discussing Minor League Deal
Discussion: Lone Star Ball
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Pirates To Name Ben Cherington General Manager  —  Former Red Sox general manager and current Blue Jays senior vice president of baseball operations Ben Cherington has accepted an offer to become the next GM of the Pirates, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports (via Twitter).
RELATED:
Jason Mackey / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
What Ben Cherington as GM means for Pirates
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun-Times:
Watch Cubs' extension talks with Javy Baez, interest in Japanese CF Shogo Akiyama for 2020 insight  —  Shogo Akiyama, hitting against a team of MLB All-Stars last year, is on the Cubs' radar as a potential solution to center field and the top of the order.  Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images
RELATED:
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:
What Mets told Carlos Beltran regarding sign-stealing scandal  —  The Mets are playing by MLB's investigative rules and they have told their center of the storm, new manager Carlos Beltran, just that.  —  General manager Brodie Van Wagenen has told Beltran the Mets will let MLB handle …
Discussion: Amazin' Avenue
Lynn Worthy / Kansas City Star:
Royals will explore free-agent pitching market, plus other takeaways from GM meetings  —  Acquiring major-league caliber pitching clearly sits atop the list of offseason priorities for the Kansas City Royals.  —  Constructing a staff deep with quality arms capable of consistent performance …
Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Robust rotation, cutting-edge pitching approach has Reds rising as Central threat … SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — With front office execs from almost all of the 29 other clubs and definitely one from each of his National League Central rivals gathered in the same ballroom this past week …
ESPN:
AL Central offseason preview: Francisco Lindor's future, Twins' rotation in focus  —  With free agency underway, the offseason is going to pick up steam.  What are the big questions facing all 30 teams?  —  Here's a look at the AL Central, where the teams at the top could be in a state …
Associated Press:
Judge says MASN should pay Nats based on MLB panel decision  —  MLB, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays  —  NEW YORK — A judge has ordered lawyers for the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles to submit a proposed judgment of what the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network …
Discussion: baseballmusings.com
 
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 More News: 
Andy McCullough / The Athletic:
Kenta Maeda wants to start, so the Dodgers have a suggestion: pitch better
Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors and NBCSports.com
Richard Goldstein / New York Times:
Irv Noren, a Bridge Between DiMaggio and Mantle, Dies at 94
Discussion: baseballmusings.com
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Claim Eric Yardley
 Earlier Picks: 
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Angels' Mike Trout edges Astros' Alex Bregman for AL MVP
 

 
From WeSmirch:

Beth Harris / Associated Press:
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

People:
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Announces Separation from Husband 3 Months After Prison Release

Tamantha Ryan / Page Six:
50 Cent's ex Daphne Joy accuses him of rape, physical abuse amid Diddy lawsuit drama — but he denies it

 
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