Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Giants serious about Bryce Harper as late entrants into free-agent frenzy — The Philadelphia Phillies, who have been the favorites to land free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper all winter, suddenly have serious competition in the San Francisco Giants. — One high-ranking rival executive boldly predicts …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Report and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Andy McCullough / Los Angeles Times:
Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and other stars remain free agents. What's going on? — Neither Bryce Harper nor Manny Machado plies his trade as a pitcher or a catcher, so this week's milestone is imprecise but still significant. As battery mates report to Arizona and Florida during the next few days …
John Shea / San Francisco Chronicle:
Larry Baer on Giants' pursuit of Bryce Harper: 'We're giving it a shot'
Discussion:
NBCSports.com
Adam Woodard / Lansing State Journal:
Tampa Bay Rays' Tommy Pham stands by comments blasting fans, pleads for more support — Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Tommy Pham has doubled down on his criticism of his team's lack of fan support. — While addressing the Rays' poor attendance, Pham said in December that the organization has …
RELATED:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Tommy Pham doesn't regret ripping lack of Rays fans, would like to see more of them — Pham said he appreciates fans the team does have and that more support would help. — ST. PETERSBURG - Outfielder Tommy Pham had no apologies or regrets Saturday for his recent comments saying the Rays had …
Discussion:
Sporting News
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
2019 Cincinnati Reds questions: How good is the National League Central? — Editor's note: With Spring Training approaching, we'll answer an important question about the Cincinnati Reds each day until pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12. Today's question: How good is the National League Central?
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
5 things to watch in the Cactus League, including an early start and a free-agency deep freeze — Chicago Tribune — Major League Baseball's decision to start the season in late March pushes up the beginning of the Cactus League season once again. — This year's schedule of games …
ESPN:
Melky Cabrera agrees to minor league deal with Pirates — The Pittsburgh Pirates and veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera have agreed to a minor league contract, according to ESPN and multiple reports. — The agreement was first reported Sunday by The Athletic.
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Confident and healthy Yu Darvish eager ‘to do something for Chicago and the Cubs’ — Photos of Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish. — Chicago Tribune — The mound that Yu Darvish stood atop Sunday felt like a cozy home. — Entering his second season with the Cubs as he attempts …
Associated Press:
Miami Marlins' president wants fans to give team a chance — MIAMI — The outfield grass at Marlins Park was a worn-out mess on Saturday, with those who arrived for the team's annual FanFest being greeted by signs reminding them that the turf will be replaced soon.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves preview: A bench built on versatility — Baseball's current climate favors flexibility. Teams see less value in carrying a one-position player for the sake of a single tool. The better franchises are those with options; not just assets for the front office, but pieces for the manager to contruct.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Carlson, Knizner headline handful of non-roster players at Cardinals' camp — JUPITER, Fla. • The wheeling, waiving, and maneuvering the Cardinals did earlier this offseason to squeeze a few prospects onto the 40-man roster assured this year some of the young players expected to surprise …
Will Lester / Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:
Photos: Rain postpones eliminations to Monday at 59th NHRA Winternationals — Sound — The gallery will resume inseconds — Show Caption — of
Discussion:
Daily Breeze
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
3 Detroit Tigers prospects to watch in spring training — Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the Detroit Tigers' top three prospects to watch in spring training: — 1. RHP Franklin Perez — Hooks pitcher Franklin Perez throws against the Tulsa Drillers at Whataburger Field on August 10, 2017.
