Top News:
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
He's no Ohtani, but Davidson knows what two-way role he wants to fill for Rangers — One thing Matt Davidson wanted to make sure was perfectly clear Tuesday were his intentions as a two-way player. — The Texas Rangers won't have to juggle the next Shohei Ohtani.
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Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Mended Rangers starters know ‘a lot of us you can mark down as question marks’ — The last time Drew Smyly was seen on a big-league mound in a big-league game was Sept. 26, 2016, at the home of the Chicago White Sox, whatever it was called back then. — He threw 97 pitches in five innings …
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Everyone knows Andrus will be Rangers' leader in 2019, but will his bat lead offense? — The big Elvis Andrus news this off-season didn't have anything to do with what he was going to do on the field in 2019, but how he was going to take over the leadership duties in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse following …
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
First three Rangers pitchers to watch this spring have similar storyline, elbow scars — Shelby Miller was a National All-Star for the Braves in 2015 before getting traded after the season. He hasn't been the same since, but the Rangers believe he can be effective again.
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Some Yankees are getting a jump on 2019 ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting — TAMPA, Fla. - There's nothing formal yet happening at Yankees spring training, where the first official pitchers and catchers workout is set for Thursday. — But there's plenty of activity on the minor league side …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
The Yankees could feature the best bullpen in baseball history ... on paper — TAMPA - Luis Severino hesitated. The Yankees ace had to temper his natural instincts a bit and understand what the future may hold for him - and the other starters. While every rotation ace wants to be a workhorse …
Chris Thomas / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training: Everything you need to know — Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season. Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press. — CONNECT — Baseball is back!
Discussion:
Forbes
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Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Which Detroit Tigers could make the team with a strong spring? — Who will start for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 after their offseason acquisitions — Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the top three dark horses to make the Detroit Tigers' roster in spring training: — 1. Brandon Dixon
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets Spring Training: 5 burning questions facing the Amazin's — Not so far down the list of great American pastimes, beyond baseball and barbecues and lottery scratch-offs, is an old-fashioned summer fireworks show. Fireworks are a funny thing — most of the fun is in the anticipation, the expectation.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Mike Puma / New York Post:
Jacob deGrom makes double-barreled threat over Mets contract talks … PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob deGrom is putting the Mets on the clock. — After a winter of inactivity in long-term contract discussions, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has informed team officials …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors and Amazin' Avenue
Matt Ehalt / NorthJersey.com:
Mets will train Jeff McNeil in outfield to open door for more at-bats
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue and NBCSports.com
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Bring on spring! After winter of discontent, can Cubs move on? — MESA, Ariz. — Eventually, Willson Contreras got bored. The offseason had gone on long enough. The Chicago Cubs catcher was used to playing baseball deep into the fall, but a team-wide offensive flameout last year led to a long winter.
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Associated Press:
Giants catcher Buster Posey hoping for healthy, productive 2019 season — SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — One day in early November, Buster Posey felt his body respond more normally again as he rehabilitated from season-ending hip surgery. Working out his lower half with a 15-pound dumbbell in his left hand …
ESPN:
Justin Verlander baffled rebuilding teams won't sign Machado, Harper — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander isn't buying the theory that the market for big free agents is limited by rebuilding teams not being in position to sign stars. … Like last year, the marquee free agents this offseason …
Discussion:
Sporting News, The Good Phight, Red Reporter, Phillies Nation, NBCSports.com, USA Today and Deadspin
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Lefty reliever Zach Duke signs 1-year contract with Cincinnati Reds — (Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports) — The Reds signed their first Major League free agent of the offseason Monday. — Left-handed reliever Zach Duke agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract, giving the Reds another lefty option in their bullpen.
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Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds' Jesse Winker among seven MLB breakout candidates, per CBS' Jonah Keri — Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jesse Winker is featured in the 2019 Breakout Brigade column by Jonah Keri on CBS Sports about seven Major League Baseball players he expects to take a big step forward during the upcoming season.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Healthier Gregerson looks to reclaim spot in Cardinals' bullpen — JUPITER, Fla. • Reliever Luke Gregerson is back in Cardinals' camp this spring. And he intends to pitch, after a season fraught with injury and then a slow recovery period for most of the offseason.
Jeff Seidel / Forbes:
Orioles Preview: Baltimore Starting To Rebuild As Spring Training Begins — The first part of the rebuilding of the Baltimore Orioles begins this season. There's a new man in charge in the front office (Mike Elias), a new man in charge in the dugout (Brandon Hyde), and a plan in place …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley and Camden Chat
