Top News:
TMZ.com:
O.J. Simpson — Buried Knife Found at O.J.'s Estate — A construction worker found a knife buried on the perimeter of the former O.J. Simpson estate ... and it's currently being tested by the LAPD in a top secret investigation ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ. — The story is incredible.
Discussion:
CBS Cleveland, CBS Chicago, KFOR-TV, NESN.com and Fox News Insider, more at WeSmirch »
Associated Press:
Greinke Pitches 2 Scoreless Innings in Diamondbacks' Debut — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Diamondbacks' $206.5 million man pronounced his spring training debut for the team as pretty good. — Zack Greinke pitched two scoreless innings in the Diamondbacks' 6-3 victory over an Oakland Athletics' split squad on Friday.
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Associated Press:
Desmond Doubles in Rangers' Debut, Plays Left — SURPRISE, Ariz. — Ian Desmond did not have any chances in his first game in left field and hit a seventh-inning double for the Texas Rangers in a 3-3 tie against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. — Desmond was the Washington Nationals starting shortstop …
Mark Shanahan / BostonGlobe.com:
Red Sox reporter Jessica Moran resigns amid questions about manager John Farrell — Jessica Moran, a reporter for Comcast SportsNet who covers the Red Sox, resigned from the network Friday amid questions about the nature of her relationship with the team's manager, John Farrell.
Discussion:
The Big Lead, Full Count and Bleacher Report
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Kris Bryant, Cubs agree to $652,000 contract — The Chicago Cubs and third baseman Kris Bryant, the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year, agreed to a one-year, $652,000 contract. — Bryant will receive a raise of more than $145,000 - a substantial amount considering he has less than one full year of major league service time.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Nick Groke / On the Rox:
Shane Carle gets wild in Rockies' loss to A's, but Carlos Estevez bounces back — Athletics 9, Rockies 4 At Hohokam Stadium — Mesa, Ariz. — A 20-minute bus ride to Hohokam Stadium led to a long afternoon Friday for the Rockies in a blowout loss to the Oakland Athletics.
Discussion:
Purple Row
Adam RubinESPN / ESPN:
Jacob deGrom rebuffs 2016 contract figure — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom declined to sign his 2016 contract in a protest over his assigned salary. — DeGrom has no recourse and will earn $607,000 this season. Because deGrom has not achieved enough major league service …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report and Al's Ramblings
Associated Press:
Bumgarner Allows 1st-Inning HR in Giants' 4-3 Win Over Reds — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Madison Bumgarner allowed a first-inning home run to Eugenio Suarez in the San Francisco Giants' 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. — That was the only hit in two innings against Bumgarner …
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Evidence presented regarding beloved pup in response to viral identity inquiry — PHOENIX — We now return you to your regularly scheduled conspiracy theories. Hank the Dog is alive and well. — The Brewers staged a tongue-in-cheek news conference in Milwaukee on Friday to dispel worries …
Discussion:
Cait Covers the Bases, Baseball Is Fun, Al's Ramblings and Washington Post
Ben Berkon / New York Times:
Jenrry Mejia Says Baseball Officials Orchestrated His Lifetime Ban — Jenrry Mejia, the Mets pitcher who was permanently barred from baseball after three failed doping tests, claims that he was the victim of a witch hunt by Major League Baseball and that the players' union did not properly advocate on his behalf.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report
Associated Press:
Franco Homers for 2nd Straight Day as Phils Top Braves 12-11 — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Maikel Franco hit his second home run in as many days, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 12-11 Friday. — Franco, among the young players the Phillies hope to rebuild around …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Ortiz Debuts, Red Sox Beat Rays — FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz went 0 for 3 in his first exhibition game of his final spring training, a 7-2 victory by the Boston Red Sox over the Tampa Bay Rays. — Ortiz popped out in the first against Chris Archer, flied out in the fourth off Kyle McPherson …