Top News:
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Knizner to start behind the plate for Cardinals in spring opener — JUPITER, Fla. • As nine-time All-Star and Gold Glover Yadier Molina works his way into playing trim following off-season knee surgery, Andrew Knizner, the Cardinals' top catching prospect, will start behind …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Cardinals sign OF Jose Martinez to $3.25 million, 2-year contract — Jose Martinez's teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals applauded his new contract Saturday, and the deal gave his family reason to cheer, too. — The outfielder/first baseman signed a $3.25 million …
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards' Carpenter looks forward to having entire spring to prepare — JUPITER, Fla. • Matt Carpenter won't be playing in the first spring training game Saturday for the Cardinals. But he will be appearing in the second one Sunday, which puts him about three weeks ahead of his schedule …
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals agree to two-year contract with Jose Martinez — JUPITER, Fla. • The comfort and enthusiasm that Jose Martinez has expressed since it became clear the Cardinals would not trade him this winter has been rewarded with a new contract. — Martinez, still years away from free agency …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Kevin Acee / The Charlotte Observer:
Padres ready to follow Machado to edge — Since the Manny Machado news broke Tuesday, Padres players have had the wide eyes and giddy hop-steps of kids told on Christmas Eve that Santa and his reindeer were spotted flying low over the rooftops. — And these Padres kids are ready to become men.
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Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Why did teams shy from Manny Machado and Bryce Harper? They aren't baseball's best — In the end, Manny Machado got his record-breaking contract, and sometime soon — maybe by the All-Star break? — Bryce Harper will get his as well. For that you must give their respective agents …
Mark Didtler / Associated Press:
Cashman: Yankees never talked dollars with Manny Machado — TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Yankees never talked dollars with Manny Machado when he visited New York with agent Dan Lozano in December. — “The free agency process leads people to where they belong, and Manny belongs in San Diego …
Associated Press:
'It's finally over': Manny Machado calls the Padres a perfect fit
Discussion:
Sporting News and ESPN
Weston DeWitt / Associated Press:
With Machado at third, Kinsler can focus on second for Pads
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
MLB notes: Ervin Santana agrees to minor-league deal with White Sox — The Chicago White Sox have finalized minor league deals with right-hander Ervin Santana and outfielder Preston Tucker. — The 36-year-old Santana made five starts with Minnesota last season after having surgery …
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
White Sox sign outfielder Preston Tucker to minor-league deal — Chicago Tribune — The White Sox added another outfielder to the mix Saturday, signing 28-year-old Preston Tucker to a minor-league deal. — The Sox also made the signing of Ervin Santana to a minor-league deal official.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Yoan Moncada begins transition to third base in White Sox's Cactus League opener vs. A's — Chicago Tribune — With a split-squad opening day for the White Sox, almost all of their their regulars are in one of the starting lineups. — Eloy Jimenez will lead the Sox in the home game …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: White Sox prospects Eloy Jimenez, Nick Madrigal and Dylan Cease take the spotlight …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and South Side Sox
ESPN:
Mets' Jed Lowrie has knee sprain, unsure of Opening Day status — New York Mets infielder Jed Lowrie on Saturday said he's unsure of when he'll be able to resume baseball activities after being diagnosed with a left knee capsule sprain. — “I want to be out there with the guys on Opening Day …
Discussion:
Associated Press
RELATED:
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Kris Bryant, Javier Baez start in Cubs' spring opener — Chicago Tribune — Kris Bryant and Javier Baez will start Saturday when the Cubs open the exhibition season against the Brewers at Sloan Park. — Bryant and Baez are two of four regular position players in the lineup.
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Toronto Sun:
Red Sox manager Cora on death of reporter: 'That's real. Life is real.' — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the team on Friday morning about the death of longtime Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo. — Cora said he told the players to enjoy themselves …
Discussion:
Over the Monster and MLB Baseball News …
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Clint Frazier is finally healthy and can't wait for the spring training bus rides
Adam London / NESN.com:
David Price Lays Out Three Reasons Why He Chose To Stay With Red Sox
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and NBCSports.com
Associated Press:
Baseball notebook: Dodgers ace Kershaw sidelined for now — Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has been sidelined indefinitely after telling manager Dave Roberts that he “didn't feel right” after two discouraging outings on the mound. — Kershaw worked out indoors at Camelback Ranch …
RELATED:
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
And the award goes to ... : Derrick Goold's top 10 baseball movies (with help from the Cardinals) — Heading into the 91st Academy Awards on Sunday, Derrick Goold checks in with the Cardinals' clubhouse to help rank his 10 favorite baseball movies, complete with comments from players on some of their favorites.
ESPN:
Bryce Harper meets with Phillies owner John Middleton in Las Vegas — Philadelphia Phillies managing general partner John Middleton flew to Las Vegas on Friday night to meet with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper in his hometown, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Discussion:
NESN.com
