The world just learned of the Astros' cheating.  Inside baseball, it was an open secret.  —  On the evening of Oct. 22, 2019, a group of umpires, Major League Baseball officials and the brain trusts of the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros — the respective general managers …

MLB Announces Rule Changes For 2020 Season  —  Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday the implementation of several rule changes that will take place in 2020 — most notably the previously reported three-batter minimum for pitchers, the expansion of standard roster size from 25 to 26 players …

Police: Blue Jays' Reese McGuire arrested for ‘Exposure of Sexual Organs’  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - Toronto Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire was arrested last weekend for the exposure of sexual organs and given a notice to appear in court, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Braves start day one with news of Cole Hamels' injury  —  On a day that is counted down to all winter, the day pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training, the Atlanta Braves had inauspicious news start spring training Wednesday morning.  —  Manager Brian Snitker told reporters …

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. …

Several teams checking in on KB trade (sources)  —  Kris Bryant is due to arrive to Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., later this week.  By all indications, he will be in the Cubs' Opening Day lineup in Milwaukee on March 26.  —  Yet, it's also true that the Cubs remain engaged in communication …

Greg Bird comes to Texas Rangers camp early, healthy, ready to compete at first base  —  Feeling healthy again and with a job to win, Greg Bird is a week early to Texas Rangers spring training.  —  Once a top New York Yankees prospect, Bird was designated for assignment in November after four injury-plagued seasons.

Pedro Baez Wins Arbitration Hearing Against Dodgers  —  Dodgers right-hander Pedro Baez won his arbitration hearing against the team, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports (via Twitter).  Baez will be paid at the $4MM rate submitted by agent Kelvin Nova rather than the $3.5MM submitted by the team …

Reds Re-Sign Derek Dietrich  —  The Reds have re-signed infielder/outfielder Derek Dietrich to a minor league contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training, per a team announcement.  He's represented by All Bases Covered Sports Management.  —  It's the second straight winter …

Entering another spring training with Mets, Tim Tebow 'won't give up' on baseball dream  —  If Tim Tebow strikes out at baseball, it's certainly going to be swinging.  —  Tebow begins spring training with the New York Mets organization next week in Port St. Lucie, Fla. …

Sources: MLB weighing major changes to postseason, including growing number of teams to 14  —  Major League Baseball is mulling significant changes to its postseason, including increasing the number of teams from 10 to 14 and adding a reality TV-type format to determine which teams play each …