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Reds starter Johnny Cueto CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 23: Johnny Cueto #47 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after getting the final out of the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during the game at Great American Ball Park on September 23, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Brewers 3-1. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

2015 season preview: Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds began what could be a long, slow slide to the bottom of the NL Central in 2014, finishing with 76 wins — only three ahead of the Cubs for last place. Injuries killed what promised to be a strong lineup. General manager Walt Jocketty probably should have begun a roster renovation, and […]

Phillies starter Cole Hamels

Why the Rangers won’t trade for Cole Hamels

On Sunday, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Jake Kaplan that in recent days, one team “stepped up and has shown more particular interest” in pitcher Cole Hamels. Speculating that the Rangers are that team wouldn’t be much of a stretch. Yu Darvish is out for at least four months with a […]

Chris Rock rips Jackie Robinson biopic ’42’ in deleted scene from ‘Top Five’

The Jackie Robinson biopic 42 was generally a crowd pleaser. It earned a 79 percent positive rating from film critics on Rotten Tomatoes. (Here’s our review from 2013.) Baseball fans seemed to enjoy the film, as did those who follow the game’s history and one of its most important figures. But Chris Rock apparently didn’t […]

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 21: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros gets caught stealing at second base during the sixth inning of their game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 21, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

2015 season preview: Houston Astros

The days of giving young players tryouts to see if they can develop into major leaguers are over in Houston. The likes of Jonathan Villar and Robbie Grossman had their chance, but the Astros could no longer wait. General manager Jeff Luhnow signed veterans like Jed Lowrie, Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek and Colby Rasmus to […]

Rangers celebrating ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 27: Adam Rosales #9 of the Texas Rangers congratulates Robinson Chirinos #61 for hitting a two run home run driving in Jake Smolinski #20 in the seventh inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

2015 season preview: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers would like to forget 2014 ever happened. Coming into last season with big expectations based on the additions of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo, Texas was decimated by injuries throughout the lineup and starting rotation, and it was too much to overcome. New manager Jeff Banister could be the new voice this […]

Mets starter Matt Harvey NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 07: Matt Harvey #33 of the New York Mets pumps his fist after getting the final out in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on August 7, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Mets defeated the Rockies 5-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

2015 season preview: New York Mets

The Mets moved decisively early in the offseason, adding a much-needed bat to the outfield in Michael Cuddyer. Unfortunately, general manager Sandy Alderson did little else, as it quickly became once again clear that team ownership wasn’t going to significantly increase payroll. Dreams of trading for a franchise shortstop kept fans warm throughout the winter, […]

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 22: Major League Baseball Executive Vice President Rob Manfred speaks at a news conference at MLB headquarters on November 22, 2011 in New York City. Commissioner Bud Selig announced a new five-year labor agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Shorten the MLB season? Rob Manfred is listening, even if he shouldn’t

Since taking over as MLB commissioner at the end of January, Rob Manfred has essentially taken on the role of Dr. Frasier Crane for baseball owners, executives and fans. Frasier always began a phone call with a listener on his radio show by saying, “I’m listening.” And that’s what the new commish has been doing […]

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 08: Carlos Beltran #36 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

2015 season preview: New York Yankees

The Yankees have finished in third and second place, respectively, during the past two seasons. As you know, that doesn’t cut it in the Bronx. Yet general manager Brian Cashman apparently had little to spend this winter, after throwing big money at four top free agents last year. Will the Yankees suffer for not getting […]

Athletics bargain Frank Thomas OAKLAND, CA – JULY 02: Frank Thomas #35 of the Oakland Athletics is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run in the 2nd inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at McAfee Coliseum on July 2, 2006 in Oakland, California. The Diamondbacks defeated the A’s 3-1. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The best MLB free agent bargains of the past 10 years

With players reporting to spring training this week (and TOC beginning its season previews), the offseason is all but officially over. And with that, free agent signings have essentially come to an end — especially among the top talent available. Yet this is also the time of year that MLB clubs can find some good […]

Cubs prospect Kris Bryant MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 27: Kris Bryant #77 of the Chicago Cubs watches from the dugout during the spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Cubs Park on February 27, 2014 in Mesa, Arizona (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

10 MLB prospects most likely to make an impact in 2015

It’s that time of year when lists of the top MLB prospects are released. ESPN’s Keith Law posted his top 100 prospects a couple of weeks ago and Baseball Prospectus followed with its list of top 101 major league hopefuls last week. Most of these players are expected to be future stars, or at the […]

ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 27: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim looks on against the Detroit Tigers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 27, 2014 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Josh Hamilton to undergo shoulder surgery, out 6 to 8 weeks

This is hardly the way Josh Hamilton wanted — or needed — to begin the 2015 season. The Angels outfielder requires surgery to repair the A/C joint in his right shoulder. That will keep him out six to eight weeks, putting him in doubt to be ready for opening day. According to the Angels, symptoms […]

SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 12: Robinson Cano of the Seattle Mariners speaks to the media during his introductory press conference at Safeco Field on December 12, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The most unexpected MLB free agent signings of the past 10 years

The offseason is almost over, and with the exception of James Shields, every big-name free agent has signed. The current free agent season did continue the tradition of at least one surprising signing, however. One player always manages to provide a surprise for unexpectedly getting a huge contract and raising the market for his peers. […]

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: Ichiro Suzuki #31 of the New York Yankees bats in the the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles during a game at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Report: Ichiro Suzuki to sign 1-year deal with Marlins

Ichiro Suzuki will pursue his quest for 3,000 MLB hits with a new team in 2015. The 41-year-old outfielder is close to an agreement with the Miami Marlins, as first reported by SiriusXM’s Craig Mish. Hearing Ichiro Suzuki and

Astros offense ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 07: Jon Singleton #28 of the Houston Astros celebrates with George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros after hitting a three run home run against the Texas Rangers in the top of the fourth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Astros’ impressive offseason renovation shows their future is now

The Nationals and Cubs have gotten a lot of attention in recent days for making significant additions. Throughout the offseason, the Dodgers, White Sox, Blue Jays and Padres have also received acclaim — and rightfully so — for their roster overhauls. But what about the Houston Astros? Have the Astros’ offseason moves flown under the […]

Astros sign Colby Rasmus to reported 1-year, $8 million deal

One day after trading center fielder Dexter Fowler to the Cubs, the Astros signed a possible free agent replacement. Houston agreed to terms Tuesday afternoon with outfielder Colby Rasmus, signing him to a one-year contract. Colby Rasmus’ deal is one year at $8 million, source says. No club or player options included. — Jon Morosi […]

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