Top News:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves lefty McKirahan (elbow) out for season — Braves left-handed reliever Andrew McKirahan will miss the 2016 season after suffering a torn elbow ligament in his first spring training appearance, general manager John Coppolella said Saturday. — McKirahan left the game Wednesday …
Discussion:
Talking Chop and MLB Trade Rumors
MLB.com:
This day in MLBPA history: The first Spring Training tours — On March 5, 1966, Marvin Miller was hired as executive director pending a full vote of the membership, and he set off on the Players Association's first camp-to-camp tour of Spring Training to meet with players.
Fox Sports:
What to do when your window of opportunity is closing — Spring training had barely started for the Toronto Blue Jays and manager John Gibbons was already facing questions about next offseason, when sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion could become free agents.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports, Phillies Nation, Bluebird Banter and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Cano Homers in Mariners' Spring Loss to Angels — PEORIA, Ariz. — Robinson Cano hit a two-run home run and Franklin Gutierrez added a solo shot for the Seattle Mariners in their 9-7 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in spring training Saturday. — Wade Miley, acquired from the Boston Red Sox …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing
Associated Press:
Rich Hill Shaky in Spring Debut as A's Tie Brewers 8-8 — MESA, Ariz. — Rich Hill allowed five of the eight batters he faced to reach base in his spring training debut before the Oakland Athletics blew a five-run lead in an 8-8 draw with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Nick Groke / On the Rox:
Yohan Flande, with a discovered breaking ball, outdoes his Rockies cohorts — ROCKIES 9, PADRES 5 — At Salt River Fields — Scottsdale, Ariz. — Rockies left-hander Yohan Flande turned in the best pitching performance of the young spring schedule Saturday, tossing two perfect innings …
Discussion:
Purple Row
Associated Press:
Chen Throws 2 Shutout Innings as Marlins Lose to Cards 3-2 — JUPITER, Fla. — Wei-Yin Chen threw two shutout innings in his Miami Marlins debut, thanks to an assist from Giancarlo Stanton. — Chen allowed three hits and got some help when right fielder Stanton easily threw out Brayan Pena at the plate to end the second.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Braves Release David Carpenter, Ryan Kelly — The Braves have announced that they've released veteran reliever David Carpenter, along with journeyman righty Ryan Kelly. They also sent a number of players to minor league camp, including 2014 first-rounder Braxton Davidson.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Associated Press:
Giles Struggles in Houston Debut as Mets Beat Astros 3-1 — KISSIMMEE, Florida — Ken Giles gave up two runs in one inning in his debut with the Houston Astros, who lost 3-1 to the New York Mets on Saturday. — Giles is expected to take over the closer role after he was acquired in an offseason trade with Philadelphia.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
Central Notes: Mesoraco, Maybin, Sano — Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco's spring debut will come later than expected due to a groin injury, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon writes. Mesoraco missed most of last season due to hip trouble, and he characterizes his current injury as a minor and expected result of the rehabilitation process.
Discussion:
New York Times, MLB Daily Dish and Bless You Boys
Tegna / KUSA-TV:
Broncos offer to Osweiler: 3 years, more than $45 million … KUSA - The Denver Broncos' priority is unmistakable. They want to make Brock Osweiler their starting quarterback in 2016 and beyond. — Of course, commitment to a player in the salary cap/free agent NFL economy is always measured in dollars.
Discussion:
USA Today, ProFootballTalk, The Big Lead and NESN.com
Associated Press:
Zimmermann Impressive but Nationals Rally to Top Tigers — VIERA, Fla. — Jordan Zimmermann retired eight of his first nine batters in his Detroit debut against his former team, and the Tigers went on to an 8-4 loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday. — Zimmermann yielded a two-out hit …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports