Top News:
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
MLB memo warns teams about crackdown on use of foreign substances on baseballs — In an attempt to crack down on the use of foreign substances on baseballs for the upcoming season, Major League Baseball will inspect balls taken out of play, analyze spin rate data and increase monitoring of dugouts and clubhouses.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Camden Chat, Beyond the Box Score, Deadspin and Sports Illustrated
RELATED:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
MLB finds new way to catch cheating pitchers — In an attempt to lessen the use by pitchers of foreign substances on balls, MLB is notifying clubs that it will begin using its Statcast data to analyze increases in spin rate, specifically for pitchers suspected of doctoring baseballs, The Post has learned.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, Bleacher Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Sports Illustrated and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez to miss 5-6 months with ruptured pectoral tendon — Chicago White Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez is expected to be sidelined for five to six months after rupturing his left pectoral tendon trying to make a play in the outfield during an exhibition game.
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
RELATED:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Andrew Vaughn will not be stopped. Not even by the White Sox — The 22-year-old is playing his way onto the opening day roster, even if it costs Chicago down the road. — PHOENIX — The Chicago White Sox were hoping to lock up prized prospect Andrew Vaughn to a long-term contract before he makes his major-league debut.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and MLB Trade Rumors
Andrew Marchand / New York Post:
Dick Stockton retiring after 55 years in sportscasting — When Dick Stockton was growing up in Kew Garden Hills in the 1940s and '50s, his father would bring home eight newspapers a night. From The Post to the Times to the World-Telegram, they were all there.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, ProFootballTalk and Touchdown Wire
David Waldstein / New York Times:
Longing for a Shot at the Majors, but Sitting Out the Sabbath — Elie Kligman can do anything on a baseball field, but his strict observance of the Jewish sabbath complicates his future. — Elie Kligman is a switch-hitter with power. He has pitched no-hitters, immaculate innings …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Nathan Ruiz / Baltimore Sun:
With spot on Orioles roster assured, Matt Harvey doesn't want to recapture his old form. He wants to be better. — Matt Harvey has tried to integrate himself in an Orioles clubhouse full of younger players whose resumes lack the accomplishments his does by bringing in a jovial attitude each morning.
Discussion:
New York Post, Camden Chat and BaltimoreBaseball.com
Associated Press:
San Diego Padres receive ‘very encouraging news’ on ailing Fernando Tatis Jr. — Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was feeling better on Wednesday, a day after coming out of a game due to left shoulder discomfort, leaving the San Diego Padres and their fans breathing easier. — “He's feeling really good today.
Discussion:
Padres and baseballmusings.com
Gordon Wittenmyer / NBCSports.com:
Source: Alzolay has 4th minor-league option, arbitrator rules — The Cubs learned Tuesday that a potential complication to final roster decisions has been cleared up, with word that promising young pitcher Adbert Alzolay will have a fourth minor-league option this year.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, Bleacher Nation, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News …, Viva El Birdos and The Athletic
MLB.com:
Dodgers 2021 Opening Day Ticket Opportunity — Register for the opportunity to purchase a limited number of select face value tickets for the Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium! There are a limited number of Opening Day tickets available through this purchase opportunity.
Discussion:
Orange County Register and MLB Baseball News …
The Athletic:
Raptors fine Pascal Siakam for directing choice words at Nick Nurse: Sources — The Toronto Raptors fined star forward Pascal Siakam $50,000 for directing heated choice words toward head coach Nick Nurse after Sunday's loss in Cleveland, sources tell The Athletic.
Discussion:
Hoops Rumors, Raptors HQ, Sportsnet.ca, Sports Illustrated and New York Post
Tim Healey / Newsday:
No contract talks between Mets, Marcus Stroman — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto are in the middle of contract negotiations with the Mets, and team president Sandy Alderson this month mentioned Noah Syndergaard as another candidate for such a deal.
