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12:20 PM ET, March 18, 2016

Ballbug

 Top News: 
ESPN:
White Sox players considered boycott to support Adam LaRoche  —  Chicago White Sox players considered not playing in Wednesday's spring training game in support of former teammate Adam LaRoche, sources told ESPN's Karl Ravech.  —  LaRoche abruptly retired Tuesday after team president Ken Williams told …
RELATED:
Chris Bahr / Fox Sports:
Adam LaRoche retired because White Sox had issues with his son  —  So why in the world did Adam LaRoche decide to retire and walk away from his $13 million salary in 2016?  The reason might make a lot of folks cringe — especially those associated with the Chicago White Sox.
Associated Press:
Braun Singles, Scores in Debut as Brewers Beat White Sox 5-2
Discussion: Brew Crew Ball
Stephanie McNeal / BuzzFeed:
People Are Freaking Out Over This Girl's Sad Picture Of Her Grandpa  —  Papaw made dinner for six grandkids, but only one showed up. :'(  —  This is Kelsey Harmon, a college softball player from Oklahoma.  —  On Wednesday night, Harmon tweeted a photo of herself having dinner with her grandfather.
Tracy Bloom / KTLA:
Construction Worker on 2nd Day of Job Dies in ‘Not Work-Related’ Fall From 53rd Floor in DTLA  —  A construction worker on his second day on the job died Thursday after falling from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand Center tower and landing on a passing car in downtown L.A. in an incident …
Rob Arthur / FiveThirtyEight:
How Baseball's New Data Is Changing Sabermetrics  —  Baseball data collected the old-fashioned way, at a spring training game between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs on March 15.  —  Every March since 2012, sabermetricians have gathered in Phoenix for their own version of spring training …
ESPN:
Tigers' rotation built around Justin Verlander  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Before we sort out what the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation has a chance to be in 2016, how can we not recall what the Tigers' rotation used to represent in this sport?  —  And to do that, we just have to ask the hitters …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Tigers Beat Astros 7-3; Zimmermann Pitches 3 Shutout Innings
ESPN:
Reports: Bronson Arroyo has torn labrum, likely ending comeback  —  Bronson Arroyo, who was trying to make a comeback with the Washington Nationals after having Tommy John surgery and missing all of last season, has been diagnosed with a torn right labrum, according to multiple media reports.
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Addison Russell could move up in order after improvement at plate  —  Photos of the Cubs shortstop.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  The speculation the Cubs lineup Thursday would mirror opening day amused manager Joe Maddon.  —  “It's March 17, and everyone is still getting ready,” …
Adam RubinESPN / ESPN:
Ruben Tejada now free agent after six years with Mets  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Infielder Ruben Tejada's days with the New York Mets are over.  —  Tejada went unclaimed while on waivers and has been released by the ballclub.  He now becomes a free agent.
Arizona Republic:
Pollock said he's confident he'll be ready for the regular season despite his inactivity.  —  “I don't feel too far behind,” he said.  “It's weird not playing in the spring but I'm going to have plenty of at-bats.”  —  Pollock doesn't anticipate having to wear a sleeve or any sort of protective device during the season.
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Indians Sign Marlon Byrd To Minor League Deal  —  7:45pm: Byrd has passed his physical, Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer tweets.  He'll earn $1MM if he cracks the major league roster.  The contract also includes some incentives, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com adds on Twitter.
Discussion: Let's Go Tribe and MLB Daily Dish
Nicole Vitale / Denver Post:
Arenado on March Madness: “I have Michigan State winning it all”  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Three-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado dishes on everything from his favorite food to how he really feels about the World's Best Boss and Michael Scott's departure from The Office.  —  Q: What do you do during your free time?
Discussion: Denver Post
 
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 More News: 
Tim Williams / Pirates Prospects:
Pirates Release Jesse Biddle, Working to Re-Sign Him
Discussion: Bucs Dugout and MLB Trade Rumors
William Weinbaum / ESPN:
MLB will discuss protective ‘half-cap’ with Giants' Johnny Cueto
 Earlier Picks: 
Associated Press:
Gardner Hitless in Return; Yankees Beat Blue Jays 2-1
Associated Press:
Puig Hits 1st Homer, Won't Be Punished for Club Altercation
Discussion: Purple Row
Associated Press:
Samardzija, Iwakuma Struggle in Mariners' Win Over Giants
 

 
From WeSmirch:

Lila Shapiro / Vulture:
There Is No Safe Word … Editor's note: This story contains content that readers may find disturbing …

Ivana Saric / Axios:
Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump's inauguration

People:
Jessica Simpson and Husband Eric Johnson Split After 10 Years of Marriage: ‘Painful Situation’

 
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