Top News:
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
MLB: No evidence Astros used wearable devices to aid sign-stealing — The Houston Astros' illegal use of technology fueled further speculation Thursday that the team's players took their methods a step further by wearing concealed devices that notified them of certain pitches.
Discussion:
The Ringer, Denver Post, MLB Trade Rumors, New York Post, Yahoo Sports, Beyond the Box Score and Associated Press
RELATED:
Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Allegations of ‘buzzing devices’ against Altuve, Bregman raise Astros scandal stakes — Is the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal about to get even worse? — Allegations from unsubstantiated reports are starting to gather steam, especially among New York Yankees media.
Discussion:
ESPN, USA Today, Bleed Cubbie Blue and Camden Chat
ESPN:
Mets agree to part ways with manager Carlos Beltran
Mets agree to part ways with manager Carlos Beltran
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Purple Row, Beyond the Box Score, New York Post and Bless You Boys
Tom Verducci / Sports Illustrated:
Jose Altuve Denies Wearing Electronic Device Under Jersey
Jose Altuve Denies Wearing Electronic Device Under Jersey
Discussion:
USA Today, Bleacher Nation and MLB Baseball News …
TC Zencka / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs' Players, Personnel on the State of the Team — The Cubs are one of two teams without a guaranteed signing this offseason, and there's a good chance their caution continues. By all accounts, the Cubs will have a chance at returning to National League prominence in 2020 …
Discussion:
Chicago Sun-Times, The Athletic, MLB Baseball News … and AZ Snake Pit
RELATED:
Michael Allardyce / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Cubs fans voice frustration, boo Tom Ricketts at Cubs Convention — The Cubs hold a convention every year before Spring Training. Typically it's a fun affair with fans interacting with players, while convention halls brim with excitement for the upcoming season.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, Bleacher Nation and Houston Astros on Yahoo! …
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Mets' managerial search: Dusty Baker is under consideration — As the Mets conduct their second managerial search this offseason, one veteran skipper's potential candidacy has gained steam since the last time. — An industry source told The Post on Friday that Dusty Baker …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Sports Illustrated and Lookout Landing
RELATED:
Jay Jaffe / FanGraphs Baseball:
Out Before Reaching Home: Carlos Beltrán, Ex-Mets Manager
Out Before Reaching Home: Carlos Beltrán, Ex-Mets Manager
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, Sports Illustrated, New York Post and MLB Trade Rumors
Brian McTaggart / Astros News:
Potential targets in Astros' managerial search
Potential targets in Astros' managerial search
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Lone Star Ball, MLB Baseball News … and The Atlantic
Jenna West / Sports Illustrated:
Giants Add Alyssa Nakken to Coaching Staff in Historic Hire — Alyssa Nakken is believed to be the first female coach in MLB. — The Giants have completed their hiring process for manager Gabe Kapler's staff and added Alyssa Nakken in a historic hire. — The club announced Thursday …
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
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Anthony Franco / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Acquire Casey Sadler — The Cubs have acquired right-hander Casey Sadler from the Dodgers, per team announcements. Minor league infielder Clayton Daniel is headed back to L.A. Sadler lost his spot on the Dodgers' 40-man when the club signed Alex Wood. The Cubs' 40-man roster now sits at 39.
Discussion:
True Blue LA, Cubs Insider, MLB Baseball News … and Bleed Cubbie Blue
TC Zencka / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers Sign Juan Nicasio To Minor League Contract — The Rangers have signed Juan Nicasio to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale (via Twitter). — Nicasio has enjoyed impressive longevity as a right-handed reliever, hanging in the majors for most of the last nine seasons.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
ESPN:
Jack McDowell says Tony La Russa had sign-stealing system with White Sox in '80s — Former Cy Young Award winner Jack McDowell on Friday accused Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa of having a camera-aided sign-stealing system installed when he was with the Chicago White Sox in the late 1980s.
Discussion:
South Side Sox, USA Today, New York Post and Mercury News
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Asked about Arenado, Mozeliak offers no specifics but closes no doors — The chance to add an All-Star middle-order hitter who is also one of the finest fielders ever to play his position is tantalizing enough for the Cardinals to remain in discussions with Colorado as much as possible.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
George Miller / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Sign Joe Panik To Minor League Deal — The Blue Jays have signed infielder Joe Panik to a minor league contract, reports Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. The deal includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Per Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, Panik will earn $2.85MM if he cracks the big league roster.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Sportsnet.ca
Grant Wahl / Sports Illustrated:
Sources: LA Galaxy Sign Mexican Star Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez — MLS has long wanted to land Javier Hernandez, and that day has come, with the Galaxy finding their heir to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. — The LA Galaxy no longer have a marquee-name void in their attack, and MLS is no longer chasing its white whale of a signing.
Discussion:
UPROXX and Orange County Register
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds expect to make more moves before the start of spring training — If the start of the 3,500-mile, three-day caravan was any indication, the Cincinnati Reds aren't worried about increased expectations for the 2020 season. — The Reds know there will be more pressure to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors