Top News:
Arizona Republic:
Trio leaves Diamondbacks for WBC; Arizona shuts down Mariners — The first group of Diamondbacks taking part in the World Baseball Classic left the team's Salt River Fields facility on Friday, Feb. 27, manager Torey Lovullo said prior to his team's spring training game against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria.
Discussion:
Arizona Sports and Yahoo Sports
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Ex-Diamondbacks All-Star won't return amid team infrastructure changes … The Diamondbacks' pitching struggles in recent seasons have led to changes in the front office and in how they plan to develop their young arms. Another change will include adjustments to the way the major league pitching staff game-plans for opposing lineups.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Lochlahn March / The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Phillies' Zack Wheeler takes the next step in his rehab from surgery — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Zack Wheeler toed the rubber on a mound Thursday for the first time in more than six months. — The 21 pitches — all four-seam fastballs and sinkers — Wheeler threw at the Phillies' Carpenter Complex marked …
Discussion:
The Athletic, Phillies Nation, NBC Sports Philadelphia, The Good Phight, Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated
RELATED:
Todd Zolecki / MLB.com:
Wheeler takes next major step in rehab with first 'pen session
Wheeler takes next major step in rehab with first 'pen session
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Phillies Nation and Yahoo Sports
Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers set 35-player roster for Dominican Republic showcase — PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - The Detroit Tigers are leaving the United States. — When the bus departs Monday, March 2, the Tigers will be on their way to the Dominican Republic for a two-game exhibition series Tuesday …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
The Athletic:
Vuori's Joe Kudla, Drew Brees among bidders in Padres' sale process: Sources — Share full article — Ahead of what could become a record-setting sale, the founder of a popular apparel brand and a Hall of Fame quarterback are leading one of five groups bidding to purchase the San Diego Padres …
Discussion:
Awful Announcing, Gaslamp Ball, MLB Trade Rumors, Bleacher Report, sports.yahoo.com and New York Post
RELATED:
Gordon Wittenmyer / Cincinnati.com:
Why Elly De La Cruz thought Kyle Schwarber to Reds was ‘done deal’ … GOODYEAR, AZ — Bryce Harper isn't the only one in baseball who thought a free agent marriage between the Cincinnati Reds and hometown slugger Kyle Schwarber was imminent over the winter.
Discussion:
New York Post
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Wayne Granger, former Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher, dies at 81 — Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Wayne Granger, who posted a 2.92 ERA in 227 relief appearances for Cincinnati from 1969 to 1971, died Feb. 25. He was 81. — Granger became the first pitcher to appear in 90 games in a single season when he did so for the Reds in 1969.
Discussion:
Redleg Nation, MLB Trade Rumors, Battery Power and USA Today
Jaylon Thompson / Kansas City Star:
Witt goes to top as Royals test different lineups — AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. — Royals put Witt leadoff to boost at-bats ahead of his WBC duty. — Witt's speed and 2024 batting title help create runs and stability. — Spring lineup tests evaluate fit; Witt could start leadoff in season if needed.
Discussion:
Royals Keep and Inside the Crown
Alex D'Agostino / Sports Illustrated:
3 Important Diamondbacks Relievers Expected to Pitch vs Angels — Three intriguing arms should have a chance to take the mound for Arizona. … The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to take on the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with a 1:10 p.m. first pitch scheduled.
Discussion:
Arizona Sports
FanGraphs Baseball:
Detroit Tigers Top 47 Prospects — Below is an analysis of the prospects in the farm system of the Detroit Tigers. Scouting reports were compiled with information provided by industry sources as well as our own observations. This is the sixth year we're delineating between two anticipated relief roles …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Billy Heyen / Sporting News:
Blue Jays might already have the best challenge hitter of ABS strike zone — Many major league hitters will experience the ABS strike zone challenge system for the first time in a regular season when Opening Day comes around. — But guys who have spent recent time in Triple-A have already worked with it …
Discussion:
San Diego Union-Tribune, sports.yahoo.com and MLB.com
Sonja Chen / MLB.com:
Kim impressing, but 2B position battle will proceed without him — Dodgers infielder will leave camp to join Team Korea for the World Baseball Classic — GLENDALE, Ariz. — With a limited time to make a good impression in his second big league camp, Hyeseong Kim has already given the Dodgers a lot to think about.
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register and Yahoo Sports
