Blog

The Braves are going to give a ton of opportunity to a ton of unproven players this year, particularly in their rotation, and no one is smart enough to know how that goes. It’s the ceiling, though, that could make Atlanta this year’s surprise team in the National League.

The Braves are going to give a ton of opportunity to a ton of unproven players this year, particularly in their rotation, and no one is smart enough to know how that goes. It’s the ceiling, though, that could make Atlanta this year’s surprise team in the National League.

All eyes were again on Shohei Ohtani on Saturday afternoon, as the Japanese two-way phenom took the mound for his first live batting-practice session, throwing 30 pitches over two simulated innings.

The Giants added a much-needed left-hander to solidify their bullpen by agreeing with free agent Tony Watson on a multiyear contract.

Gleyber Torres will be a “full go” when Grapefruit League games begin next week, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who plans to utilize the 21-year-old at second base, third base and shortstop while the Yankees evaluate his chances of making the Opening Day roster.

Now that Spring Training is officially underway with pitchers and catchers reporting for a number of clubs Wednesday, fans can ring in the new season with MLB Network’s annual countdown of the game’s best players.

Shortly before 9 a.m. on Saturday, Manny Machado entered the Orioles’ clubhouse at Ed Smith Stadium. All eyes were on him, sporting a new haircut and a huge smile as he went locker to locker, exchanging hugs and pleasantries with teammates new and old.

If the Red Sox and J.D. Martinez really are $100 million apart (as has been rumored), there’s probably no reachable middle ground. But before Boston moves on to other options, how about one more run at striking a deal?

Every single one of the last seven World Series champions — every one! — has ended the year with a different closer than the one they started the season with. It’s a good reminder that in the saves role, little goes according to plan, and that’s OK.

The second phase of Giancarlo Stanton’s career is officially underway, as the reigning National League Most Valuable Player reported for his first Spring Training as a member of the Yankees on Friday.