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 …

Will it be Wong or Edman?  Fowler or Carp?  Cardinals begin search for their leading man  —  JUPITER, Fla. — For all the rhetoric expended and hands wrung over the Cardinals' lack of a veteran cleanup man to drive in runs, the issue of who might be scoring those runs sometimes is overlooked.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.