Top News:
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").
Discussion:
Purple Row
RELATED:
Nick Groke / Denver Post:
The young fireballer was competing for an opening day bullpen spot — The Denver Post — Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jairo Diaz (47) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 8th inning at Coors Field on Sept. 24, 2015. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Purple Row and Bleacher Report
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
Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox To Sign Austin Jackson — The White Sox have agreed to terms with outfielder Austin Jackson on a $5MM contract, Jon Heyman writes (all Twitter links). Jackson is a Scott Boras client. — Heyman notes that Jackson could have signed with the Angels for more money …
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, NBCSports.com, CSN Chicago, Bless You Boys, Bleacher Report, Lone Star Ball and South Side Sox
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Designate Mike Olt — The White Sox have designated third baseman Mike Olt for assignment, the team has announced (via MLB.com's Scott Merkin, on Twitter). His roster spot was needed for the signing of Austin Jackson, which has been made official.
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:
The Big Lead
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Cespedes Gets 1st Hit of Spring, Mets Beat Braves 7-5 — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Yoenis Cespedes had an RBI infield single and reached base three times to help the New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 7-5 on Sunday. — Cespedes went 1 for 2 with a walk and reached on an error.
Discussion:
Yahoo Sports
Associated Press:
Giants' Samardzija Fans 5 in 3 Innings, Dodgers Win 5-2 — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants starter Jeff Samardzija struck out five in three innings Sunday in San Francisco's 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. — Samardzija gave up one run and five hits in his second start for his new team.
Associated Press:
Wong Goes 0 for 2 as Cards' Leadoff Man in Loss to Nationals — JUPITER, Fla. — Kolten Wong got a chance to bat leadoff for the St. Louis Cardinals and was hitless in two at-bats Sunday during a 5-2 loss to the Washington Nationals. — Wong vocalized his desire to hit in the top spot during the offseason.
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Dan Johnson returns to Rays as knuckleballer — SARASOTA — Dan Johnson already has a place in Rays lore for hitting two of the most significant home runs in franchise history. — Now he's angling for a spot in their rotation, or maybe the bullpen. — Johnson — yes, that Dan Johnson …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven and Baseball Essential
Associated Press:
Top Prospects Lead Astros Split Squad Past Pirates 11-8 — BRADENTON, Fla. — Houston prospect Matt Duffy homered twice and Carlos Correa had two hits to lead an Astros split squad over the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-8 on Sunday. — Jake Marisnick hit a two-run shot for the Astros on a day when several …
Associated Press:
Byung Ho Park Hits Slam for 1st Spring HR, Twins Beat Rays — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Korean slugger Byung Ho Park hit a grand slam for his first spring training homer, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 on Sunday. — Park hit a towering shot to left field …
