Top News:
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
How Jordy Mercer helped Detroit Tigers sign Josh Harrison — LAKELAND, Fla. — Josh Harrison needed a place to stay. — It was 10 years ago and he had just been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Pittsburgh Pirates, arriving in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a duffel bag, luggage and nowhere to sleep.
RELATED:
Ryan Ford / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers giveaways: Here's what fans can get for free this summer — Single-game tickets for the Detroit Tigers' 2019 season don't go on sale until Saturday morning, but the Tigers released their promotions and giveaways schedule on Wednesday. In addition to the usual fireworks shows …
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training observations: ‘Big 3’ prospects stand out — LAKELAND, Fla. — The Detroit Tigers' final spring training workout ended in the rain on Thursday morning, tears of joy from Mother Nature, who couldn't stand to watch any more pitchers fielding practice.
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Gary Sanchez: Comeback player of the year or bust? — TAMPA, Fla. — For the bulk of the 12-minute interview session Gary Sanchez had at his locker as New York Yankees pitchers and catchers arrived to spring training, he was asked about one topic. — How will he rebound from his abysmal 2018?
RELATED:
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
DJ LeMahieu, without a set position, viewed as one of the Yankees' regulars — TAMPA, Fla. - DJ LeMahieu might appear blocked on the Yankees' infield, but the manager sees him as a regular player on the 2019 club. — “Even with everybody healthy, it's not hard to imagine him pretty much playing every day,” Aaron Boone said.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Adam Ottavino, Greg Bird stand out in simulated play at Yankees camp — TAMPA, Florida — Adam Ottavino came out firing on Thursday morning. — On a back field at Yankees camp, the right-handed reliever struck out all four batters he faced in a simulated setting — getting Gleyber Torres, Tyler Wade (twice) and Luke Voit swinging.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs might need to use a collection of closers, even after Brandon Morrow returns — Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses how Albert Almora Jr. has looked so far in spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
RELATED:
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Cubs' millennial players are digging Joe Maddon's message — Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses coaching millennials at spring training on Feb. 20, 2019, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune — Joe Maddon's quest to communicate with his millennial players …
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen moving closer to playing center field in games — GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Michael Lorenzen did some drills in the outfield Tuesday and took batting practice in the cages Thursday. — It's all a part of the team's plan to prepare Lorenzen for spring training games.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
When Fowler plays Sunday, he'll hit second for Cardinals — JUPITER, Fla. • At times this offseason, as Cardinals manager Mike Shildt jotted out the look of his lineup, he of course considered the best possible outcome from all of his options. And right there, in the career totals …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Indians, reliever Tyler Clippard agree to terms on minor contract — Clippard went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 73 games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. — GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Cleveland Indians and two-time All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard have agreed to a minor league contract.
Discussion:
Daily Journal
Associated Press:
Dodgers to honor Don Newcombe with uniform patch, bobblehead — LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers will honor pitching great Don Newcombe by adding a commemorative No. 36 patch to their uniforms this season. — EDITOR'S PICKS — Newcombe died Tuesday at 92.
Discussion:
ESPN
RELATED:
Matt Breen / Philly.com:
Phillies confident they will sign Bryce Harper as negotiations pick up — CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies, according to a source, are confident they will sign Bryce Harper as they have ramped up their negotiations with the outfielder after being motivated by losing out on Manny Machado.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, NBCSports.com and NESN.com
RELATED:
Zach Gelb / CBS Sports Radio:
Lidge: Nationals Could Be Better Without Harper
Discussion:
The Good Phight and Washington Post
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Last place? Cubs laugh off formula that has them finishing under .500 — MESA, Ariz. — It was hidden in plain sight. And everyone in the locker room saw it. At the bottom of the daily schedule, on Day 1 of full-squad workouts for the Chicago Cubs, was a prediction for their season.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Padres' addition of Machado while Rangers stand pat is a tale of two windows — Their spring homes are separated by 9.6 miles, and last season on the field they were separated by one game. — The Texas Rangers went 67-95 in 2018, and the San Diego Padres finished at 66-96.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Preparation — and good posture — keeps Cole Hamels in prime pitching shape — White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams discusses the team missing out on Manny Machado on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (Teddy Greenstein/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
David Bote standing tall after fine rookie season
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Birds of a feather: Motte and Wainwright reunite — JUPITER, Fla. • A little bit of history — well, a lot of Cardinals history —was in evidence Thursday morning in the clubhouse. The last two Cardinals pitchers to throw the final out for a World Series champion had a long chat.
Associated Press:
Column: Players finding payoffs are changing in baseball — Manny Machado's new $300 million contract put a stop — at least temporarily — to a growing chorus of player complaints that major league teams were conspiring to do deep damage to the free agent market.
RELATED:
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
As Arizona Diamondbacks stand pat, rival Padres ramp up with Manny Machado
Discussion:
101Sports.com
WKYC-TV:
WATCH | Betsy Kling catches up with ‘Voice of the Indians’ Tom Hamilton at Spring Training — What does Tom think about the upcoming season? — Baseball is almost here, and the Indians are set to begin Cactus League exhibition play in Arizona in a matter of days.
RELATED:
