Top News:
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Adam Ottavino wows his manager and new teammates in first action as a Yankee — TAMPA - It was quite the introduction. Adam Ottavino faced four batters in a simulated game Thursday morning. The Yankees' newest reliever struck out all four. — He left his manager shaking his head and sympathizing with the hitters.
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ESPN:
Nick Cafardo, longtime Boston Globe baseball writer, dies at 62 — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Longtime Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo has died after collapsing at the team's spring training ballpark. — The newspaper said Cafardo had an embolism Thursday and Red Sox medical staff was unable to revive him.
Discussion:
USA Today
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Adam Ottavino, Greg Bird stand out in simulated play at Yankees camp
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
DJ LeMahieu, without a set position, viewed as one of the Yankees' regulars
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Bob Hohler / BostonGlobe.com:
Veteran Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo dies at 62
Discussion:
New York Daily News, MLB Daily Dish, CBS Boston and NESN.com
Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers live chat: Talk baseball with Anthony Fenech at 1 p.m. — Welcome to our Detroit Tigers live chat with Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech. — If you've got a question about the 2019 season or spring training, leave it below. — Then at 1 p.m., during …
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Ryan Ford / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers giveaways: Here's what fans can get for free this summer
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training observations: ‘Big 3’ prospects stand out
Associated Press:
Manny Machado's $300M, 10-year contract announced by Padres — SAN DIEGO —The San Diego Padres have announced their $300 million, 10-year deal with All-Star infielder Manny Machado, more than two days after the deal was agreed to. — Machado will be introduced Friday at spring training in Peoria, Arizona.
Discussion:
ESPN
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Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Strike looming for Major League Baseball? It's looking a like real possibility — TEMPE, Ariz. — It was cold and rainy Thursday morning in Phoenix, and the forecast from Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark was just as gloomy.
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Mets' deep bullpen could let Seth Lugo sneak into rotation — PORT ST. LUCIE - Let's imagine a scenario where Seth Lugo enters the rotation this year. — All it would take is an injury to one of the five starters for Lugo, Robert Gsellman or Corey Oswalt find his way in.
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Daily Record:
Mets keeping Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo as relievers thanks to a strong rotation — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — When it comes to Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman, the Mets are sticking by the advice that if isn't broken, don't fix it. — While there had been talk of the two being stretched …
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Jacob deGrom's agents to meet with Mets execs, source says
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
World Series drought disappointing for Yankees' Brett Gardner — TAMPA, Fla. - While Brett Gardner is looking forward to celebrating a special New York Yankees anniversary later this year, he had to admit Thursday that with it comes one disheartening reminder.
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Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
Respect rules as Clint Frazier, Brett Gardner stake claims at Yankees spring training — TAMPA, Fla. - In a quiet moment on Thursday, Clint Frazier sought out Brett Gardner. — Left field is Gardner's position, and it's Frazier's aim to claim an outfield spot this spring.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
5 takeaways from Cubs spring training, including a familiar role for Albert Almora Jr. and options without Ben Zobrist — 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)
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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 …
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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:
MLB Baseball News … and Daily Journal
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?
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, NESN.com and The Big Lead
Associated Press:
Ryan Braun, 35, aiming to build off strong finish to last season — PHOENIX — Those days of playing every day, they're done for Ryan Braun. Most important for the longtime Milwaukee Brewers star these days is making the most of the time he's in the lineup. — Now 35, Braun is inching closer to the downside of his career.
