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.
Discussion:
New York Post, Associated Press, Over the Monster, Orange County Register, Halos Heaven, Lookout Landing, Athletics Nation, Sportsnet.ca, Call to the Pen, Cubs Insider, Bleacher Nation, MLB Trade Rumors, baseballmusings.com, Baseball Think Factory, Let's Go Tribe, Houston Astros on Yahoo! … and Lone Star Ball
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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 …
New York Times:
The Minor-League Teams That Could Lose M.L.B. Ties — Under a new proposal, 42 minor league teams would have their affiliations with major league clubs severed. Here is a list of the teams that would be affected.
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.
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 …
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Camden Chat, NBCSports.com, Sports Illustrated, New York Post and Bleacher Nation
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
Associated Press:
Derek Jeter Among 18 Newcomers on 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot — Derek Jeter will likely be an overwhelming choice to join former Yankees teammate Mariano Rivera in Cooperstown. — NEW YORK — Derek Jeter is among 18 newcomers on the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot.
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Craig Calcaterra / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Derek Jeter headlines 2020 Hall of Fame ballot — The Baseball Hall of Fame has released the ballot for the 2020 induction class. There are 32 names on the ballot, 18 of whom are newcomers. — Of those newcomers, the guy at the top of the list stands a pretty decent chance of getting …
Discussion:
Red Reporter and Talking Chop
J.J. Cooper / Baseball America:
2019 Rule 5 Draft: 11 Prominent Prospects Unlikely To Be Protected — By 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, all 30 teams have plenty of decisions to make. Teams must add to their 40-man Major League rosters any Rule 5 eligible players that they want to protect from that draft.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Royals Review, Lookout Landing and Over the Monster
Daren Smith / MiLB.com:
Twins' Costello found dead in New Zealand — Infield prospect was set to play in Australian Baseball League — Minnesota Twins infield prospect Ryan Costello died overnight in Auckland, New Zealand, his Australian Baseball League team announced early Monday. He was 23.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit, Seattle Mariners on Yahoo! …, MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors and Twinkie Town
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
On Astros' sign stealing, Rays' offseason moves, awards tally, the M-word — Rays Tales: Team execs on Houston's big problem, a base for winter acquisitions, trophy time and an upcoming owners meeting. — Updated Yesterday — Four Rays things to think about:
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, DRaysBay and The Athletic
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Will Brodie Van Wagenen give Carlos Beltran the coaching staff he wants? — As Carlos Beltran settles into his new life as Mets manager, it's unclear how much input he will have as the team fills out the rest of his coaching staff. But Beltran did disclose his preference for an experienced group …
