Top News:
Yahoo Sports:
Sources: MLB to tighten mound-visit rules, update slide rules — It's not just players who need spring training to get in shape. Managers and pitching coaches better work on their speed, because they're about to be timed. — Starting this season, mound visits from managers and pitching coaches …
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New York Daily News:
Mets manager Terry Collins says new MLB rule dangerous for infielders — PORT ST. LUCIE — Terry Collins, an old middle infielder, was just hearing about Major League Baseball's new slide rule at second base, and with it what amounts to an abolishment of the neighborhood play.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven and baseballmusings.com
Nick Groke / Denver Post:
The changes came in response to two serious injuries last season — The Denver Post — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager reaches for the ball as Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes slides into second with a steal, after the ball bounced off the back of Reyes on a throwing error …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Baseball Bans Rolling Block Slides in Wake of Utley Play — NEW YORK — Baseball made its call on the Chase Utley slide: out. — Major League Baseball and the players' union have banned rolling block slides to break up potential double plays, hoping to prevent a repeat of the takeout …
Discussion:
The Good Phight
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Dexter Fowler's fiasco with the the Orioles raises a lot of questions — Anyone who blames the Orioles' failure to complete a deal with Dexter Fowler on his desire for an opt-out clause misses the point. — If the Orioles would not give Fowler an opt-out, then they had no agreement with him.
Discussion:
School of Roch and Camden Chat
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Dexter Fowler back with Cubs: ‘This is where my heart is’ — Photos of the Cubs at spring training. — Chicago Tribune — Center fielder Dexter Fowler is back with the Cubs on a one-year deal, with a mutual option for the 2017 season. — “This is where my heart is,” said Fowler …
Discussion:
Baltimore Sun, School of Roch, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, Wrigleyville and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Jays sign ex-All-Star Domonic Brown to minor league deal — DUNEDIN, Fla. — Former NL All-Star outfielder Domonic Brown has signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. — Brown signed Thursday and was invited to big league spring training.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
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Brad Johnson / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Sign Domonic Brown To Minors Deal
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Blue Jays Plus, Bluebird Banter, Baseball Essential, The Good Phight, Yahoo Sports and Philliedelphia
Ted Berg / USA Today:
Blue Jays GM praises Jose Bautista, won't discuss contract negotiations
Discussion:
Big Three Sports
Kevin White / KSNG-TV:
Shooting reported at Excel Industries in Hesston — HESSTON, Kan. - Law enforcement officers are responding to the scene of a workplace shooting at Excel Industries in Hesston with reports of multiple fatalities and others wounded. — KSN has confirmed there are two individuals who were pronounced dead …
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Ksn Tv / KSNG-TV:
1 dead, “up to 20 injured” in shooting at Excel Industries in Hesston — HESSTON, Kan. - Law enforcement officers responded to the scene of a workplace shooting at Excel Industries in Hesston Thursday afternoon with reports of multiple fatalities and people wounded. The incident began about 4:40 p.m.
Discussion:
WHTM-TV
John Manuel / Baseball America:
Organization Talent Rankings Prioritize Impact — The Jays should have ranked higher in our 2013 talent rankings with Noah Syndergaard (Photo by Mike Janes) — The issue that went to press Thursday features Baseball America's Organization Talent Rankings, a fitting conclusion to our prospect coverage.
Ian BegleyESPN / ESPN:
Sources: Celtics expressed interest in Carmelo Anthony before deadline — Any flicker of hope the New York Knicks had of making a playoff run has been extinguished over the past few weeks. — New York has lost 13 of its past 15 games and will enter play Thursday 6½ games out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, Hoops Rumors, New York Post and NESN.com
Brad Johnson / MLB Trade Rumors:
Athletics Acquire Chris Coghlan From Cubs For Aaron Brooks — The Cubs have traded outfielder Chris Coghlan to the Athletics for pitcher Aaron Brooks, the Cubs announced via press release. — Coghlan, 30, won the Rookie of the Year award in 2009. Last season, he hit .250/.341/.443 in 503 plate appearances.
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Athletics Nation, Baseball Essential and MLB Daily Dish
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Orioles, Yovani Gallardo Agree To Restructured Deal — 7:54am: The Orioles have announced the deal. A press conference is scheduled for 1:45pm. In a related move, Baltimore has designated Efren Navarro for assignment. — FEB 24, 6:24pm: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that the option …
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Yovani Gallardo had little choice but to take Baltimore's revised deal
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Nick Cafardo / BostonGlobe.com:
John Henry says Red Sox will rely less on analytics — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox principal owner John Henry revealed a major shift in organizational philosophy Wednesday when he said the team was de-emphasizing its reliance on analytics in making major decisions.
Discussion:
Boston, Over the Monster, CBSSports.com and Jays From The Couch
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