MLB plotting playoff expansion — with reality TV twist  —  Imagine a team picking its playoff opponent.  Think about Brian Cashman and the Yankees deciding whether to face the Red Sox or avoid them in the first round of the postseason.  All on live TV.  —  Well, it is probably coming soon to the major leagues.

Pitcher Mike Bolsinger says cheating Astros changed course of his career  —  The Houston Astros wronged a lot of people, in a lot of ways.  —  But the damage they did to Mike Bolsinger - to his career and to his whole life - was particularly harsh, and the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher wants them held accountable.

Red Sox Name Ron Roenicke as Interim Manager  —  Roenicke, Boston's bench coach, was put in charge on the eve of the team's first spring training workout.  He replaced Alex Cora, who was let go because of his role in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal.  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. …

Joe Maddon opens up on leaving Chicago Cubs, returning to L.A. Angels  —  LONG BEACH, Calif. — Joe Maddon settled into a small Italian deli bordering the Pacific coast Friday, only a block from the high-rise condominium that housed him for the past month, and instantly felt regret.

Is Rays' Charlie Morton retiring after 2020?  —  The veteran Rays pitcher said Tuesday that he might.  Performance, health, family and money all will be part of his decision.  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — Could this be Charlie Morton's last season pitching?  —  Coming off a 2019 performance …

When Kris Bryant gets to Mesa, he'll be the center of attention for a Cubs team in flux  —  While the rest of Major League Baseball has spent around $2.1 billion on free agents this offseason, the Cubs are banking on fuzzy concepts like attention to detail and a more structured clubhouse environment …

Ahmed, D-backs agree to $32.5 million, 4-year deal  —  SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS  —  PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks capped a busy offseason by locking down their two-time Gold Glove shortstop, who has slowly turned into a solid offensive threat.

Phillies Hope For 2nd Half Return From David Robertson  —  The Phillies are hopeful they've got a built-in summer acquisition in the form of veteran reliever David Robertson.  As Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports on Twitter, new Phils skipper Joe Girardi says that he hopes Robertson …

Cracking Crystal: The 2020 PECOTA Standings Projections  —  If you rub a crystal ball it will show you the future.  If the ball is cracked you might cut yourself.  Injury is more likely than insight.  Still, it is time for the annual feasting on the expectations of our projection system with the 2020 PECOTA Standings.