Top News:
ESPN:
Harper walks twice in 1st spring ABs with Phillies — CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper drew two five-pitch walks on Saturday in his first two spring training plate appearances since signing a record contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. — The six-time All-Star outfielder signed a $330 million …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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Scott Lauber / The Charlotte Observer:
For Bryce Harper, a Philly survival guide presented by Pete Rose — Pete Rose heard that Bryce Harper wanted to meet him. — It was 2015, and Harper was having the best offensive season of the post-steroid era, one in which he would be crowned MVP of the National League.
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Think Pete Rose has something to say about baseball jumping in bed with gamblers? You bet he does — CLEARWATER, Fla. - You may have heard - or maybe you didn't since Major League Baseball dropped this little bombshell late last Wednesday with little fanfare.
Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Why Rougned Odor's hitless game has Chris Woodward thrilled — Rougned Odor has walked three or more times in a regular-season game only twice in his five-year career. — The Texas Rangers second baseman walked five times against the Orioles on Aug. 2 (he also homered) and walked three times in a game in 2017.
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Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
It was a good day for Rangers' right-hander Lance Lynn — Lance Lynn filled the zone and worked fast. — The Texas Rangers' right-hander struck out four, walked none and allowed one single in four innings against the Colorado Rockies Friday afternoon at Salt River Fields.
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
He's been all over bases this spring. Now, Pence ready for only place he hasn't been yet — Hunter Pence didn't play Friday for the Texas Rangers and wasn't in the lineup Saturday either, but it seems like he has played nearly every game this spring and played a lot when more than the average veteran.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Fowler has another ‘encouraging’ hit — WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. • One player is hoping to get it back. One player is hoping to be noticed. — Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler, getting a rare righthanded at-bat this spring, doubled at Jupiter, Fla., to open Friday's first game …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
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Toronto Sun:
Royals sign catcher Martin Maldonado to one-year deal: Source — SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals agreed to a US$2.5-million, one-year deal with Martin Maldonado on Saturday, giving them a veteran catcher after losing Salvador Perez to a season-ending injury.
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TC Zencka / MLB Trade Rumors:
Royals Reach Agreement With Martin Maldonado On One-Year Deal — The Royals are in agreement with free agent catcher Martin Maldonado on a one-year, $2.5MM contract, per the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (via Twitter). Maldonado can earn up to $1.4MM in incentives. The deal is pending a physical.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, MLB Daily Dish, Athletics Nation, Bleacher Nation and Royals Review
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Column: ‘I believe in myself’: Javier Baez is getting overlooked again — and that's just the way he likes it — Photos of Cubs infielder Javier Baez. — Chicago Tribune — After Bryce Harper signed with the Phillies, a prominent Las Vegas betting website installed him as a 4-1 favorite …
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
From ‘boo’ to ‘Yu’: Darvish wants to win over Cubs fans after rocky 2018 season
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
The Yankees should hand the ball to Masahiro Tanaka on Opening Day — TAMPA — Masahiro Tanaka made his case Friday night. The Yankees right hander would seem to be the obvious choice to be the Opening Day starter, with the two other sensible choices now out of the picture.
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Takeaways from Braves' road win over Tigers on Saturday — The Braves took on the Tigers in Lakeland on Saturday afternoon, their fourth meeting this spring. — Here are the takeaways from the Braves' 6-4 win: — 1. Sean Newcomb was hit for three runs in 2-2/3 innings.
Ben Frederickson / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
BenFred: A press-box discussion stirs - what would you rather do than wear a Hicks heater? — Ben Frederickson is a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. You can follow him on Twitter (Ben_Fred), Instagram (benfredpd) and Facebook (BenFredPD).
Matt Ehalt / Daily Record:
With plenty of infield options, Mets decide to part ways with TJ Rivera — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets infielder TJ Rivera reported to First Data Field on Saturday ready to make throws from third base for the first time. — He even believed he may be able to finally play in a game, as a designated hitter, for the first time soon.
Chandler Rome / Houston Chronicle:
Astros' Jose Altuve scratched from lineup again with continued left side soreness — JUPITER, Fla. — For the second time in three days, Jose Altuve was scratched from the Astros' Grapefruit League lineup on Saturday with continued left side soreness. — “It's the same, tightness I'd say …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Houston Chronicle
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds prospect Taylor Trammell survives trade rumors, is focused on improving — GOODYEAR, Arizona - For baseball players, there isn't any easy way to prepare for seeing their name appear in trade rumors. Usually, they contact their agents and try to find out as much information as possible.
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