Top News:
ESPN:
Setting sights on spring training, Jose Altuve confident embattled Astros will ‘be in World Series’ — HOUSTON — A week filled with fines, suspensions, firings and impromptu news conferences as a result of their sign-stealing scandal ended awkwardly in Houston on Saturday …
RELATED:
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:
Federal Baseball, Yahoo Sports, Denver Post, MLB Trade Rumors, New York Post, The Ringer, Beyond the Box Score and Associated Press
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 and New York Post
Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Allegations of ‘buzzing devices’ against Altuve, Bregman raise Astros scandal stakes
Discussion:
ESPN, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Camden Chat and Sportsnet.ca
Tom Verducci / Sports Illustrated:
Jose Altuve Denies Wearing Electronic Device Under Jersey
Discussion:
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, AZ Snake Pit and MLB Baseball News …
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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:
NBCSports.com, Bleed Cubbie Blue and Bleacher Nation
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
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Jay Jaffe / FanGraphs Baseball:
Out Before Reaching Home: Carlos Beltrán, Ex-Mets Manager
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue, Sports Illustrated, New York Post and MLB Trade Rumors
Joon Lee / ESPN:
J.D. Martinez confident Red Sox will be cleared in investigation, as ‘there was nothing going on here’ — SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez believes Major League Baseball's investigation into the 2018 World Series champions will not reveal sign stealing.
Discussion:
Over the Monster
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:
The Bronx View Yankees …, True Blue LA, 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
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
Associated Press:
Giants make Alyssa Nakken first female major league coach — SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alyssa Nakken became the first female coach on a major league staff in baseball history Thursday when she was named an assistant under new Giants manager Gabe Kapler.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Jenna West / Sports Illustrated:
Giants Add Alyssa Nakken to Coaching Staff in Historic Hire
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
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
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:
Orange County Register
