Ballbug: Brewers RP Will Smith tears knee ligament while taking off shoe (Associated Press)

Brewers reliever Will Smith has torn knee ligament — The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside information on the Brewers — Phoenix - Brewers reliever Will Smith was informed Friday he has a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee …

Discussion: Yahoo Sports, Brew Crew Ball and MLB Daily Dish

Associated Press:

Brewers RP Will Smith tears knee ligament while taking off shoe — PHOENIX — The Milwaukee Brewers will start the season without reliever Will Smith, who tore a ligament in his right knee while taking his spikes off after a game. — Smith, who was set to share closer duties with Jeremy Jeffress …

Discussion: NESN.com and Bleacher Report

Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:

Will Smith Has Torn LCL — Brewers reliever Will Smith has a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, and it's unclear whether he'll opt for rehab or surgery, Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel writes. In a freak occurrence, Smith suffered the injury while taking off his shoe in the clubhouse.

Discussion: Al's Ramblings

Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:

Phillies Sign Pete Mackanin To New Extension — The Phillies have announced that manager Pete Mackanin has been signed to a new contract that will cover the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The deal also includes a club option for 2018. — This fresh contract overwrites the extension Mackanin received …

Discussion: Yahoo Sports and The Good Phight

Discussion: Phillies Nation

CSN Mid-Atlantic:

Orioles may have interest in former Nationals LHP Burnett — SARASOTA, Fla. - As the Orioles continue to look for left-handed relief help, another possibility has surfaced. — The team may have interest in veteran lefty Sean Burnett, who has an Apr. 1 opt-out in his contract with the Nationals.

Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors and MLB Daily Dish

Discussion: Bleacher Nation and Bleed Cubbie Blue

Associated Press:

D-backs seek Chase Field upgrades, threaten to sue or leave — PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are threatening to sue Maricopa County and leave downtown Phoenix unless their ballpark is upgraded. — In a letter to county officials Thursday, the Diamondbacks say the county has failed …

Discussion: South Side, Talking Chop, Bless You Boys, MLB Trade Rumors, AZ Snake Pit and Bleacher Report

Charlie Wilmoth / MLB Trade Rumors:

Reds Sign Ross Ohlendorf To Big-League Deal — The Reds have signed righty Ross Ohlendorf to a Major League deal, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer tweets. The Reds have announced that it's a one-year deal. Ohlendorf is a client of Jon Fetterolf.

Discussion: Yahoo Sports, MLB Daily Dish and Redleg Nation

Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:

Yankees snipe at Mets in revenue-sharing gripe — Baseball's collective-bargaining negotiations again have the potential to pit not only owners against players, but owners against owners. — One example: The Yankees are upset about the money they are paying in revenue sharing compared to their cross-town rival Mets.

Discussion: NBCSports.com and River Avenue Blues

Mark Polishuk / MLB Trade Rumors:

Astros Release Neal Cotts — The Astros have released lefty Neal Cotts, the club announced. Cotts was in camp on a minor league deal that contained an opt-out for March 26 if he wasn't on Houston's MLB roster. — The release is something of an unfortunate birthday present for Cotts …

Discussion: Al's Ramblings and The Crawfish Boxes

Plain Dealer:

How Tyler Naquin added muscle, pop this off-season: Cleveland Indians briefing — Indians center fielder Tyler Naquin watches the flight of his home run in the fourth inning Wednesday against Kansas City at Goodyear Ballpark. It was Naquin's second homer of the game. (Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press)

Discussion: Let's Go Tribe, Yahoo Sports and Minor League Ball

Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:

Jake Arrieta's blister makes Cubs cautious over his opening day start — Chicago Tribune — The next few days will determine whether 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will start on opening night for the Cubs. — Despite Arrieta's optimism less than 24 hours …

Discussion: Chicago Tribune, ESPN, Bleacher Nation and Bleed Cubbie Blue

Jeff Fletcher / Orange County Register:

Angels Notes: Another setback stops C.J. Wilson's rehab — TEMPE, Ariz. - C.J. Wilson's slowdown has now ground to a halt. — Wilson has stopped throwing entirely, and he is not expected to pick up a ball for another eight to 10 days, Manager Mike Scioscia said Friday.

Discussion: Halos Heaven and MLB Trade Rumors

Miguel Cabrera / ESPN:

Miggy, Aroldis among the players ranked too high in BBTN 100 — Over the weekend, I discussed eight players that I felt should have made our Baseball Tonight top 100 players, otherwise known as the BBTN 100. Now I'm going to look at the flip side, those players ranked too high on our list …

Discussion: Dallas Morning News