Top News:
Associated Press:
Phillies' Jake Arrieta says no soreness after second spring training start — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Jake Arrieta felt fine after his second spring training start with the Philadelphia Phillies, and that was more important than the mediocre results. — Arrieta allowed 4 runs …
Discussion:
Philly.com and Phillies Nation
RELATED:
Nick Faris / Toronto Sun:
How the bobblehead became a beloved symbol of baseball season — There is probably no better indicator of how surprisingly good Justin Smoak was in 2017 than the fact he was selected to be a bobblehead this year — As he walked to work on a bright, subzero morning in Toronto last week …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
RELATED:
Nick Stellini / Sporting News:
Why the Blue Jays could be a factor in the 2018 playoff race
Discussion:
Over the Monster
Shi Davidi / Sportsnet.ca:
Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s exhibition walk-off a moment worth savouring
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bluebird Banter
ESPN:
Tim Tebow starting season with Mets' Double-A team — Tim Tebow will start the season with the New York Met's Double-A affiliate in Binghamton, the team announced Wednesday. — Tebow, who is entering his second season in the Mets' organization, said in a statement that he is “excited” about the assignment to Binghamton.
RELATED:
Steven Marcus / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Yankees run afoul of MLB over player images on beer at Yankee Stadium — Trouble might have been brewing for the Yankees over facial images of their players — including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton — imprinted in beer sold at Yankee Stadium. The images were displayed at a media event on Monday at the ballpark.
Discussion:
The Comeback, NESN.com and Sporting News
RELATED:
David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
The Evil Empire Strikes Back! Why the Yankees being good is great for baseball
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Chelsea Janes / Chicago Tribune:
Nationals' Bryce Harper is about to step into the storm that's been brewing his entire life — The Washington Post — One Sunday morning a few years ago, in the well-worn clubhouse at Turner Field, Bryce Harper sat on the edge of the black leather rolling chair at his locker and looked around the near-empty room.
RELATED:
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
Enjoy the ride, because these Nationals may be as good as they're going to get
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Adam Kilgore / Chicago Tribune:
As MLB teams opt for inexpensive youth over proven vets, a reckoning looms
Discussion:
Washington Post and Federal Baseball
Katherine TerrellESPN / ESPN:
Reds push back opener against Nationals to Friday because of weather — CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have postponed their Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals until Friday at 4:10 p.m. ET, the team announced. — The Reds were scheduled to start the season on Thursday …
Discussion:
Associated Press
RELATED:
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Reds postpone Opening Day until Friday — The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday that they've postponed their Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals from Thursday to Friday because of anticipated inclement weather. — The game will take place Friday at 4:10 p.m., 24 hours after first pitch had been scheduled.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Smooth sailing ahead for the Cubs — at least until October — Chicago Tribune — From Jon Lester's wayward bounce throw to Tommy La Stella's pop-up bounce house, the Cubs got through another spring training with a healthy diet of hard work and comic relief.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs manager Joe Maddon enthused about defensive improvement for 2018
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Cubs veteran Chris Gimenez caught off guard by roster decision, vows to be ready
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation and Orlando Sentinel
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carpenter's arm passes tests at third, second — • Even after his warmup throws from third base Monday, Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter would look over to the dugout for some acknowledgement. — After a diving stop and a throw he couldn't make a year ago, he didn't need to.
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals yield to temptation, speeding power prospect Hicks to opening day roster
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals decide Hicks is ready now, promote power pitcher for opening day
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos, Minor League Ball, MLB Trade Rumors and Bleacher Nation
Jill Painter Lopez / Associated Press:
Dodgers designate OF Trayce Thompson for assignment — LOS ANGELES (AP) The Dodgers have cut outfielder Trayce Thompson, the brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. — Thompson was competing for a spot in a crowded Los Angeles outfield that includes Chris Taylor, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles.
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish
Andy Mccullough / New York Daily News:
Dodgers game bizarrely ends with ‘nasty’ sewage seeping onto Dodger Stadium diamond — The final game of the Freeway Series ended in bizarre, malodorous fashion as a water main burst inside 57-year-old Dodger Stadium and flooded the area near the Dodgers dugout.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Deadspin
RELATED:
ESPN:
Angels' Shohei Ohtani to make first start as pitcher Sunday versus Athletics — Despite a rocky spring on the mound, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani will make his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday against the Athletics, manager Mike Scioscia said Tuesday night.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors and FanRag Sports
ESPN:
A's prospect A.J. Puk hurts elbow; Tommy John recommended — SAN FRANCISCO — Oakland Athletics pitching prospect A.J. Puk has injured his pitching elbow, and Dr. James Andrews is recommending he have Tommy John surgery. — The left-handed Puk injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the team said Tuesday.
Discussion:
Associated Press and Amazin' Avenue
Daniel Popper / New York Daily News:
AL DNA: Breaking down the analytics of each American League team for the 2018 MLB season — With each passing season, sabermetrics are becoming more and more ingrained in baseball. — Data is becoming increasingly available by the year — more recently with the advent of MLB's Statcast …
Dan Wiederer / Chicago Tribune:
Victor Caratini builds bond with Cardinals pitcher seriously injured by his line drive — Chicago Tribune — Daniel Poncedeleon knows it might sound silly, but the competitor within him often emerges when he thinks about the moment that threatened his life. — Ask him about that terrifying afternoon last spring.
Evan Grossman / New York Daily News:
Mike Francesa and Chris Russo reunite, make bold Mets and Yankees predictions — We still do not know where Mike Francesa is going next, but we sure know where he belongs. — Francesa and Chris Russo were reunited, for one hour at least, Wednesday afternoon.
Corpus Christi Caller-Times:
Forget the ballgame! The Texas Rangers new food menu is the real MVP — Opening day is here and Texas' two Major League Baseball teams will be opening the season against each other. — The World Champion Houston Astros will take on the in-state rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Stadium in Arlington.
Jerry CrasnickESPN Senior / ESPN:
Opening Day survey: $400 million for Harper? A Yankees letdown? MLB execs size up 2018 — Clayton Kershaw wrapped up spring training with a 0.00 ERA, while Madison Bumgarner left camp with three pins in the broken pinkie of his pitching hand. Ronald Acuna begins the season in the minors …
Discussion:
Washington Post, Let's Go Tribe and Halos Heaven
Jesse Yomtov / USA Today:
Breakout candidates and players who could disappoint in the 2018 MLB season — While countless players are looking to build on strong 2017 campaigns, there are clues that some players may be in for disappointment as Major League Baseball's 2018 season gets underway Thursday.
