Harper Lee dead at age of 89: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird Author’ passes away  —  Nelle Harper Lee, who won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1961 for her book, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” has died at the age of 89, multiple sources in her hometown of Monroeville, including the mayor's office, confirmed Friday morning.

Incumbent dealing with oblique strain, likes addition of Giles to bullpen mix  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Speaking with reporters for the first time since the Astros acquired hard-throwing Ken Giles from the Phillies — presumably to be their closer — relief pitcher Luke Gregerson was adamant Thursday he shouldn't lose his job as closer.

Tony Phillips, former A's infielder, dies of apparent heart attack  —  Infielder Tony Phillips, a member of the A's 1989 title team, died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 56, according to former Oakland starter Dave Stewart.  —  “T.P. was like my little brother,” said Stewart …

Bart Hernandez indicted on charges of alien smuggling  —  Bart Hernandez, a baseball player agent who has specialized in representing Cuban defectors, has been indicted on charges of alien smuggling by a federal grand jury in Miami, where he was arrested early Friday by agents from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.

Longtime Giant Jim Davenport Dies at 82  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Jim Davenport, a longtime third baseman for the San Francisco Giants who later managed the team and worked in the front office, has died.  He was 82.  —  The Giants announced his death Friday, saying he died Thursday night in Redwood City …

Yankees had deal with Tommy Hunter that fell through  —  TAMPA - The Yankees are the lone team not to sign a major league free agent this offseason.  But they came close.  —  The Yankees and reliever Tommy Hunter had reached agreement on a two-year contract for what is believed …

16-year-old critically hurt after helicopter crash near Arizona Memorial  —  HONOLULU (KHON2) — A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after a civilian helicopter crashed into waters near the USS Arizona Memorial Thursday.  —  According to the U.S. Navy, it happened at about 10:30 a.m …

Dodgers Sign Louis Coleman  —  The Dodgers have signed veteran righty Louis Coleman to a one-year deal, his representatives at Frontline Athlete Management announced.  He'll receive $750K in the MLB contract, per Devan Fink (via Twitter).  —  Set to turn 30 on Opening Day …

Rangers Extend Jeff Banister  —  The Rangers announced on Friday that they have exercised their 2018 club option over manager Jeff Banister and added a new club option for the 2019 season to his contract as well.  Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets that Banister essentially receives …

Man charged with felony assault in Dodger Stadium incident  —  LOS ANGELES — A Southern California man has been charged with knocking a man unconscious at Dodger Stadium after a game in October.  —  Prosecutors charged Michael Rae Papayans of Palos Verdes with felony assault Thursday.

COLORADO ROCKIES / MLB  —  WALT WEISS CONFIDENT IN ROCKIES' ROTATION, UNSURE OF JOSE REYES' FUTURE  —  Shortstop Reyes goes on trial April 4 for allegedly assaulting his wife  —  The Denver Post  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As pitchers and catchers reported to camp Wednesday …

Royals Sign Barmes, Duensing, Ohlendorf To Minor League Deals  —  2:39pm: Duensing would receive a $2MM base salary upon making the club, tweets Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.  —  1:35pm: The Royals announced that they have signed infielder Clint Barmes …