Top News:
USA Today:
Chase Utley's suspension for vicious slide overturned — Chase Utley's two-game suspension for a takeout slide that resulted in a broken leg, and then a rule change, was overturned on appeal and Utley will be eligible for the start of the 2016 season. — Utley, the Los Angeles Dodgers …
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports and The Big Lead
Nick Groke / Denver Post:
The fastball — that faithful, simple pitch — is back en vogue with the Rockies. — The Denver Post — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — To understand baseball, it helps to hear the game's quirky language, from the obvious ("backdoor breaking ball") to the esoteric ("golden sombrero").
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:
Federal Baseball, Phillies Nation, Bluebird Banter and baseballmusings.com
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
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:
Federal Baseball and Yahoo Sports
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.
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Mets have high hopes for this not-so-secret bullpen weapon — KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Will it be Hansel Robles, sophomore sensation? — The 25-year-old righty grabbed the Mets' attention last season, when he was thrust into a bullpen in disarray and emerged among manager Terry Collins' most dependable options.
Discussion:
Newsday, New York Daily News and Amazin' Avenue
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:
Denver Post and Purple Row
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
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
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