Top News:
The Athletic:
Exclusive: MLB hands down unprecedented penalties for Astros after sign-stealing investigation — In the most dramatic ruling of his five-year tenure, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred came down hard on the Astros Monday for illegally stealing signs during their World Series championship season in 2017.
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Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Cody Bellinger on Astros, Red Sox allegations: Dodgers did it ‘the right way’ — MALIBU, Calif. — The sign-stealing scandal that has engulfed Major League Baseball throughout the offseason centers mostly on two teams, the 2017 Houston Astros and the 2018 Boston Red Sox. An obvious link: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, DRaysBay, South Side Sox, Royals Review, The Crawfish Boxes, baseballmusings.com and NBCSports.com
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Technology, Once the Astros' Ally, Helps Do Them In — Jeff Luhnow built a powerhouse in Houston by trying to gain every edge possible. In the end, he pushed the envelope too far. — This was in the summer of 2012, in Jeff Luhnow's office at the old Union Station in Houston, adjacent to Minute Maid Park.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Astros' Jeff Luhnow, AJ Hinch fired for sign stealing — Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch were fired by owner Jim Crane on Monday after Major League Baseball's announcement of discipline following the sign-stealing scandal. — A league investigation confirmed …
Discussion:
The Athletic, BaltimoreBaseball.com, Sports Illustrated and baseballmusings.com
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
MLB To Suspend Jeff Luhnow, A.J. Hinch For One Year; Astros Stripped Of Draft Picks — Major League Baseball is set to bring forth an unprecedented set of penalties against the Astros organization in light of the sign-stealing scandal against them, Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic report.
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News …, UPROXX, Bronx Banter and Halos Heaven
Scott Boeck / USA Today:
Astros owner Jim Crane fires manager A.J. Hinch, GM Jeff Luhnow after MLB suspensions in cheating scandal — Houston Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane has fired manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow following Major League Baseball's sign-stealing investigation, he announced in a press conference on Monday.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLB Baseball News …
Jon Paul Morosi / MLB.com:
Cardinals emerging in Arenado talks (sources) — The Cardinals have emerged in recent days as a viable suitor in the Nolan Arenado trade discussions, multiple sources said Sunday. — One source said the Rockies and Cardinals have engaged in “preliminary” trade negotiations regarding Arenado …
Discussion:
NESN.com, Lookout Landing, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News … and The Good Phight
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Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Obvious interest, complex trade: Cutting through the clutter on Arenado and the Cardinals — When the Cardinals headed to California to woo Giancarlo Stanton and try to convince him, in person, to waive his no-trade clause and accept the trade the Marlins had to St. Louis …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Denver Post and Twinkie Town
Peter King / NBCSports.com:
FMIA Divisional: Aaron Rodgers, Packers Aren't Finished, Derrick Henry Can't Be Stopped, and more — GREEN BAY, Wisc. — That pass. That Aaron Rodgers pass. It's still there. He's still got it. — I came to Green Bay wondering about Rodgers. (Stupidly, as it turns out.)
Discussion:
NESN.com, New York Post, UPROXX and Sports Illustrated
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Source: Rangers agree to deal with free agent infielder Todd Frazier — Frazier fills third base need, could play some first base if another third baseman is acquired. — With the likelihood of a Nolan Arenado trade dimming by the day, the Rangers on Sunday, acted to fill one of their pressing needs …
Discussion:
Los Angeles Dodgers News …, NBCSports.com and Lookout Landing
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George Miller / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers To Sign Todd Frazier
Discussion:
Over the Monster, New York Post and Lone Star Ball
Alex Pavlovic / NBCSports.com:
Pat Burrell back with Giants organization, named Single-A hitting coach — Pat the Bat is back and will try to mentor the next generation of Giants sluggers. — The organization announced Monday that Pat Burrell, a key piece on San Francisco's 2010 championship team, will be the hitting coach for the San Jose Giants.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Phillies Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers avoid arbitration with deals for four players — Last year, the Detroit Tigers attended a salary arbitration hearing for the first time in 18 seasons. — This year, order has been restored. — The Tigers agreed to one-year contracts with all four of their remaining salary …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
