Top News:
Sam Fortier / Washington Post:
Hate them all you want, but the Astros could be back in the World Series — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — What could be one of the final hand grenades in the spring training war of words landed in the middle of Dusty Baker's news conference Tuesday. The Houston Astros manager heard how …
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Associated Press:
Manfred apologizes for calling WS trophy a “piece of metal” — SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for what he called a disrespectful reference to the World Series trophy as a “piece of metal.”
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and Denver Post
Bradford William Davis / New York Daily News:
MLBPA disputes Rob Manfred's claims of player non-cooperation in Astros sign-stealing probe — On Tuesday evening, the MLB Player's Association disputed league commissioner Rob Manfred's claim that the union threatened not to comply with the league's probe on illegal sign-stealing.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Beyond the Box Score and New York Post
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Rob Manfred apologizes for calling World Series trophy a ‘piece of metal’ — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for describing the World Series trophy as “a piece of metal” during an on-camera interview with ESPN, a description …
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca, Houston Astros on Yahoo! … and MLB Baseball News …
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Disciplining Astros not as easy for MLB as Altuve revealing a tattoo
Disciplining Astros not as easy for MLB as Altuve revealing a tattoo
Discussion:
The Athletic, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News … and NBCSports.com
David Purdum / ESPN:
Sportsbooks expect Astros hitters to be targeted often this season
Sportsbooks expect Astros hitters to be targeted often this season
Discussion:
MLive.com and New York Post
Jenna West / Sports Illustrated:
Nick Markakis Rips Astros: ‘Every Single Guy Over There Needs A Beating’
Nick Markakis Rips Astros: ‘Every Single Guy Over There Needs A Beating’
Discussion:
ESPN, NBCSports.com and MLB Baseball News …
Kevin Acee / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Padres, Red Sox still talking about deal involving Wil Myers — After attempt to land Mookie Betts failed, Padres still talking to Red Sox about sending Wil Myers, others to Boston — While Padres General Manager A.J. Preller did make significant upgrades all around the roster …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Royals Review, MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors and Over the Monster
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Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants to go beyond MLB and raise minor-league pay in 2020, help with housing — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Players in Giants camp who fail to make the team and get sent to the minors surely will be disappointed, but they will have a salve: a higher salary and a new housing allowance.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Chicago Tribune, NBCSports.com, Fish Stripes and McCovey Chronicles
Associated Press:
Crowd-seeking Rays come up with win-win-win free ticket plan — SHARE URL EMAIL FBMSNGR WHATSAPP SMS — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays are offering fans a win-win-win-win proposition. — Trying to draw bigger crowds to barren Tropicana Field, the Rays came up with a crowd-pleasing ticket plan Wednesday.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Orioles Claim Andrew Velazquez, Designate Richard Urena — The Orioles have claimed utilityman Andrew Velazquez off waivers from the Indians, per a club announcement. To create roster space, the team designated fellow infielder Richard Urena. — Velazquez, a 25-year-old switch-hitter, has only minimal MLB experience.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
The Athletic:
Exclusive: Giants will not include Aubrey Huff in their 2010 World Series reunion celebration — The Giants will hold a 10-year reunion celebrating their 2010 World Series championship team on Aug. 16. The starting first baseman for that team, who led the Giants in home runs and WAR …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, McCovey Chronicles, MLB Baseball News …, Slate, 95.7 The Game, SFGATE, Chicago Sun-Times, Yahoo! Sports, USA Today and Sports Illustrated
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings …:
Pirates' Pablo Reyes banned 80 games for positive drug test — Pablo Reyes was suspended 80 games on Wednesday under the major league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug Boldenone. — He became the second player in three days suspended for Boldenone …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout, Lone Star Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Marcus Stroman spoils team with Mets-themed apparel from his own clothing line — PORT ST. LUCIE — For Marcus Stroman, his happiness is heightened by lifting others. — The 28-year-old pitcher gifted his teammates and bosses with new athletic apparel this week — which shined a light on an intrinsic quality that makes him tick.
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun-Times:
After meeting with Theo Epstein, Kris Bryant expects to remain a Cub all season — Bryant, who has two years left of club control after losing his grievance over service-time manipulation, was made available in trade since the end of last season. GM Jed Hoyer backed Bryant's expectations.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Phillies Nation and MLB Trade Rumors