Left Out  —  A bunch of 12-year-old kids had their hearts broken this week.  Jackie Robinson West, a team from Chicago's South Side, won the U.S. title at the 2014 Little League World Series.  They achieved their dream in dramatic fashion.  I remember watching their pitcher give …

Cleveland Indians interested in Dayan Viciedo; face uphill battle to sign him  —  Former White Sox outfielder Dayan Viciedo (right) has drawn interest from the Indians and other teams after being released by Chicago on Feb. 4.  (Charlie Riedel/Associated Press)

Ranking Major League Baseball's managers entering 2015 season  —  For the past few years leading into spring training we've attempted managerial rankings.  They are based on my opinions and the opinions of the many people around baseball I speak with during the course of the week.

With his retirement in full swing, captain says he'll be ‘out of the country’  —  Derek Jeter speaks with Steiner Sports CEO Brandon Steiner about his childhood, final season and life after baseball  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The captain won't be tossing this year's ceremonial first pitch.

Lazaro Alonso, Osniel Madera Leave Cuba  —  Three Cuban players for Pinar Del Rio have left the country, according to Cuban national baseball commissioner Heriberto Suarez.  —  Two of those players, first baseman Lazaro Alonso and infielder/outfielder Osniel Madera, should draw interest from major league teams.

Get ready for an awkward spring training with the Phillies  —  Pitchers, catchers, and a bunch of guys the Phillies spent the offseason trying to trade will report to spring training Thursday.  Contrary to popular belief, this team is going to be a contender.

Pirates growing payroll is good, bad news  —  Consider how much it cost the Pirates to negotiate with Jung Ho Kang.  They bid $5 million just for the right to talk to the 27-year-old infielder, $5 million in addition to what they will pay Kang this season.  —  That's not much in terms …

Alex Smith stunned by 49ers upheaval  —  PEBBLE BEACH — Alex Smith heard the shouts Saturday as he walked toward No. 17 green at Pebble Beach.  —  “Come back to us, Alex!” someone yelled.  “We love you.”  —  Smith was grateful for the affection.  But the former 49ers quarterback …

Price, Heyward and Zimmermann among best who may test open market  —  The MLB Now panel continues to examine the 2016 free-agent market for pitchers, including Rick Porcello, Jeff Samardzija and Mat Latos  —  The Detroit Tigers have been aggressive in recent seasons in an effort to end a 30-year championship drought.

Fat Jameis Winston Photo is a Month Old, Here's the Story  —  Jameis Winston looks ... fat?  Out of shape?  Photos can be deceptive, but this one popped up on twitter Saturday and quickly made the rounds.  Its provenance was unknown, so I checked in with QB guru George Whitfield …

Terry's Talkin' about Jason Kipnis bouncing back and the Cleveland Indians picked to win Central Division — Terry Pluto  —  For all the talk about Swisher needing to bounce back, Kipnis may be even more important to the Indians.  —  CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jason Kipnis has already reported …

Rangers' new skipper preparing to bring the franchise back into playoff contention  —  Rangers GM Jon Daniels and manager Jeff Banister talk about the team's need to establish an identity during Spring Training  —  ARLINGTON — Manager Jeff Banister was one of the featured speakers …

Sources: Yankees offer up Yankee Stadium to Alex Rodriguez for a potential public apology press conference  —  The Yankees have offered Rodriguez the option of making a public apology at Yankee Stadium, rather than creating a massive distraction at spring training with his mea culpa news conference.

Reds Avoid Arbitration With Aroldis Chapman  —  9:20am: Chapman settled at an $8.05MM figure, tweets Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.  That sum is a fairly sizable $375K higher than the midpoint of the two figures, suggesting that the Reds may have been particularly motivated to avoid a hearing.