Top News:
Toronto Sun:
Outfielder Aaron Hicks, Yankees agree to huge seven-year deal — NEW YORK — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Aaron Hicks and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $70 million, seven-year contract that adds $64 million in guaranteed money over six seasons.
RELATED:
Pete Caldera / Daily Record:
A look ahead at New York Yankees spring training this week — Luke Voit takes BP before Yankees-Rays game, Feb. 24, at Port Charlotte, Florida — TAMPA, Fla. — The first full week of Grapefruit League games begins on Monday, with the Yankees' “winter” home opener at Steinbrenner Field.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees Extend Aaron Hicks
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball, Pinstripe Alley and MLB Daily Dish
Coley Harvey / ESPN:
Danny Farquhar takes next step in comeback, throws simulated game
Discussion:
Sporting News
Patrick Reusse / Kansas City Star:
Under Alex Cora, modern Red Sox clubhouse a far cry from those of yesteryear — The home clubhouse at Fenway Park was never known as a welcoming place for working members of the visiting press. Plus, I don't think the Red Sox often had a reputation as being sweethearts toward New England's wordsmiths.
Discussion:
Over the Monster
RELATED:
Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Dombrowski: Red Sox won't be signing any more relievers — BRADENTON, Fla. — For those holding out hope Craig Kimbrel might still be an option for the Red Sox, Dave Dombrowski pretty much put an end to that line of thinking Monday morning. — Talking at LECOM Park prior …
Discussion:
CBS Boston
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Baseball notebook: Hanley Ramirez to join Indians — Free-agent first baseman Hanley Ramirez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians. — Ramirez, a former National League rookie of the year, will sign with the three-time defending AL Central champions and join them in camp once he passes a physical examination.
ESPN:
Dodgers re-enter Bryce Harper sweepstakes, interested in short-term deal — The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-entered the Bryce Harper sweepstakes and are interested in a short-term deal with the free-agent slugger, according to ESPN and multiple reports. — EDITOR'S PICKS
Discussion:
New York Post, MLB Baseball News … and Philly.com
RELATED:
Steve Gardner / USA Today:
MLB 2019: Potential busts and players on the decline this season — In addition to all the excitement the upcoming 2019 MLB season will generate, there will inevitably be some disappointment. — It's important to temper expectations with players who overachieved last season.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs' David Bote to see doctor after beaning; Jon Lester makes spring debut — Cubs manager Joe Maddon gives updates on David Bote's status, Tyler Chatwood and Ben Zobrist at spring training on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune) — Chicago Tribune
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Associated Press:
Giants' Madison Bumgarner uneven in spring debut but ‘felt really good’
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs are pulling out all the stops — including some old hitting drills of Joe Maddon's — to resurrect their offense
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs' Addison Russell plays for first time since suspension
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
SNY:
Mets at Astros, Monday at 1:05 p.m. — Noah Syndergaard gets the start in his Spring Training debut — The Mets (1-1) visit the Astros (2-1) on Monday at the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches at 1:05 p.m. — Mets Notes... The Mets head to West Palm Beach for their first road game …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos and The Crawfish Boxes
RELATED:
Daily Record:
NY Mets rotation in full force this week, along with top relievers
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com
Matt Ehalt / NorthJersey.com:
Jacob deGrom enjoyed a historic season in 2018, but matching it could be tougher
Kevin Kernan / New York Post:
Mets plot out eye-opening World Series goal for rotation
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Molina set to catch by mid-March; Ozuna won't play in left field until later — JUPITER, Fla. • Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, who returned to the crouch this past weekend for Adam Wainwright's bullpen session, will see his first turn in games behind the plate on March 14, manager Mike Shildt said.
RELATED:
Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell betting big on himself and Tampa Bay Rays — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is one year removed from when he couldn't say much of anything, not after a 2017 season that included a jarring trip to the minor leagues.
Discussion:
DRaysBay
Associated Press:
Josh Harrison can earn up to $3M as part of Tigers deal — DETROIT — Josh Harrison can earn $1 million in performance bonuses this year in addition to his $2 million salary with the Detroit Tigers. — Harrison would get $200,000 each for 150, 250, 350, 450 and 500 plate appearances as part of the contract announced Saturday,
RELATED:
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers spring training letters: Alan Trammell on back fields
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLB Baseball News …
Chris McCosky / Detroit News:
All's well that ends well, but Tigers' Harrison still perplexed by ‘unexplainable’ wait
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Associated Press:
Versatile Gonzalez finalizes $21M, 2-year deal with Twins — FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Don't call Marwin Gonzalez a utilityman. — At least not around the Minnesota Twins. — “That's something I've heard used before, all the time,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said on Monday …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Yankees name Andy Pettitte special adviser to GM — The New York Yankees have named former star pitcher Andy Pettitte as a special adviser to the general manager. — The team made the announcement Monday, although it is unclear what Pettitte's role will be within the organization.
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
Manager Bud Black agrees to 3-year contract extension with Rockies — Black, 61, was a National League manager of the year finalist in 2017 and 2018 … SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bud Black, the only manager in Rockies history to lead the club to back-back playoff appearances …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News … and Purple Row
Evaristo Montoya / Kansas City Star:
Well-traveled Royals minor-league pitcher Jake Kalish hopes his next stop is KC — Jake Kalish has been on a soul-searching journey since the Kansas City Royals selected him in the 32nd round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. — From New Jersey to Israel to the Dominican Republic …
KHOU-TV:
Baseball is coming! Celebrate Astros with Game of Thrones bobbleheads — FOCO is releasing Game of Thrones-themed bobbleheads for Major League Baseball. — HOUSTON — Forget winter. Baseball is coming! — You can now celebrate your love for the Houston Astros and Game of Thrones together.
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
How Yasiel Puig has — and hasn't — moved on with Reds — GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Yasiel Puig had already broken in a red glove by the time his new team conducted its first full workout here last week. The cleats, the duffel bag, the batting gloves — all red, flowing in perfect harmony …
