Top News:
Tampa Bay Times:
20 years of the Rays: Recounting the 20 most memorable injuries — With the Rays planning a year-long celebration of their 20th anniversary, the Times is taking a look back - with 20 lists of 20 things about those first 20 seasons.Being a Rays fan over the yea
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Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
20 years of the Rays: The 20 best quotes — Here are the 20 best quotes in the Rays 20 years: — “The only thing that keeps this organization from being recognized as one of the finest in baseball is wins and losses at the major-league level.” — GM Chuck LaMar after a 451-68 record …
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
20 years of the Rays: The 20 weirdest moments — • Joe Maddon with black hair, as a prelude to the Johnny Cash-themed road trip was a little disturbing. But Lou Piniella with blonde highlights? That was quite the sight. Keeping a promise to his players if they strung together three meager wins …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Wainwright scratched from start against Washington — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. • Veteran Adam Wainwright has been scratched from his scheduled start for the Cardinals' last Grapefruit League game Sunday and will be replaced by 21-year-old Jordan Hicks, one of the Cardinals' top prospects.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Sporting News
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ESPN:
Adam Wainwright to miss start, uncertain for Opening Day roster — St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright was scratched from his spring training start Sunday because of a hamstring injury, team president John Mozeliak told reporters. — Wainwright will undergo further evaluation …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Second base: Cards need Wong on the field
Associated Press:
Pitcher Bartolo Colon cut by Rangers, could rejoin them soon — SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Texas Rangers have cut pitcher Bartolo Colon, but the popular 44-year-old could rejoin them soon. — The Rangers released Colon from his minor league contract. The team faced a Saturday deadline …
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Maureen Mullen / Associated Press:
Catcher Christian Vazquez, Red Sox reach deal through 2021 — FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Catcher Christian Vazquez and the Boston Red Sox have reached agreement on a new contract that takes him through the 2021 season. — The deal announced Saturday includes a team option for 2022.
Discussion:
NESN.com and Over the Monster
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Jeff Gordon / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
National League capsules: 2017 division champs should repeat — • Outfielder Bryce Harper is headed toward free agency and a record-shattering contract. This is his chance to prove he is worth epic money. Can the Nationals keep him? If not, can they win a title before he leaves?
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Beating up on Reds, Pirates might be key to winning NL Central
Tom Haudricourt / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
5 teams to watch in the National League and American League in 2018
5 teams to watch in the National League and American League in 2018
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Tom Kuebel / Arizona Sports:
Diamondbacks option Yasmany Tomas to Triple-A Reno — Yasmany Tomas was optioned to Triple-A Reno by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday morning, reducing the roster to 33 players. — The Cuban outfielder/third baseman signed a six-year, $68-million dollar contract with the Diamondbacks …
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
ESPN:
Michael Conforto to start on DL after shoulder surgery — New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto was informed Sunday morning that he will start the season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. — Mets manager Mickey Callaway delivered the news to Conforto, according to the New York Daily News.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs pick Victor Caratini as backup catcher over Chris Gimenez — Chicago Tribune — The Cubs believe 24-year-old Victor Caratini will benefit more as a major-league backup catcher than he would in the minor leagues. — That was a big factor in the team's decision to select Caratini for the job …
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Pedro Strop passes test, but Cubs will wait before finalizing opening day roster
Pedro Strop passes test, but Cubs will wait before finalizing opening day roster
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Ozuna brings the thump to end the slump — St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna takes batting practice during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com — St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna …
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Outfield: Cards have a new look for 2018
Associated Press:
Braves release veteran left-hander Scott Kazmir — ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have released Scott Kazmir after the left-hander fell short in his bid to win the No. 5 spot in the team's rotation. — The 34-year-old Kazmir was acquired with Brandon McCarthy and infielder Charlie Culberson …
Associated Press:
Brewers ship 2017 Opening Day starter Junior Guerra to minors — PHOENIX — The Milwaukee Brewers have optioned Junior Guerra, their Opening Day starter a year ago, to Triple-A Colorado Springs. — Guerra has made five spring starts and is scheduled to pitch Sunday's Cactus League finale against the Chicago White Sox.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
White Sox reserving the right to dream big in Year 2 of the rebuild — Chicago Tribune — Ten years ago the Rays were coming off a 96-loss season and predicted by most to finish last again the American League East. — It didn't turn out that way, as starter James Shields pointed out at the start of White Sox spring training.
ESPN:
Michael Brantley won't break camp with Indians — Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley will start the season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. — The Indians announced the decision Sunday, four days after Brantley made his spring training debut.
Associated Press:
Lefty Wade LeBlanc returns to Mariners — PEORIA, Ariz. — Left-hander Wade LeBlanc has rejoined the Seattle Mariners, two days after he asked for his release from the New York Yankees. — The Mariners signed the 33-year-old LeBlanc on Sunday. — The move could help shore up a Mariners bullpen …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and ESPN
George Sipple / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers' Johnny Barbato (elbow) may not be ready for Opening Day — The beginning of the Major League Baseball season brings a new round of predictions. The Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech and George Sipple give their prognostications for the 2018 season. Wochit — CONNECT
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Phillies Designate Cameron Rupp — The Phillies have designated catcher Cameron Rupp for assignment, per a team announcement. The club selected right-hander Drew Hutchison's contract in a corresponding move. — The 29-year-old Rupp has been a member of the Phillies since they chose …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and The Good Phight
Associated Press:
U-turn: Twins reclaim Kennys Vargas on waivers from Reds — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Kennys Vargas has made a quick U-turn and is headed back to the Minnesota Twins. — The Twins reclaimed Vargas off waivers from Cincinnati on Saturday, two days after the Reds plucked him from Minnesota.
Bill Plaschke / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Jarrin no se va anywhere just yet — LOS ANGELES — Everywhere he goes, he is serenaded, by restaurant busboys and city officials, from the bleacher seats to the dugout club, his life reflected in the singing of a call that has become a connection. — Se va, se va, se va ... Jaime Jarrin softly smiles.
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Meet the men trying to rebuild the Detroit Tigers — The beginning of the Major League Baseball season brings a new round of predictions. The Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech and George Sipple give their prognostications for the 2018 season. Wochit — CONNECT