│

1

D-backs banking on comebacks from key players Unable to get on track in '14, Trumbo aims to return to slugging form By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108927040/d-backs-banking-on-comebacks-from-key-players-in-2015 Diamondbacks' Aaron Hill looking for bounce-back year By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/02/10/arizona-diamondbacks-aaron-hill-spring-training-mlb/23189979/ Junior Achievement helps Valley youth plot a career By Brandon Hamilton / NBC 12 http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12-news/2015/02/11/12-news-junior-achievement-us-airways-banner-health-papa-johns/23256903/ Cactus League Countdown: Questions abound behind the plate By Jack Magruder / FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/diamondbacks-cactus-league-countdown-questions-abound-behind-the-plate-021115 ESPN writer predicts Arizona Diamondbacks will again finish with MLB's worst record By ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1806949/ESPN-writer-predicts-Arizona-Diamondbacks-will-again-finish-with-MLBs-worst-record Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale: Tony La Russa knows 'it's my team' By Jacob White / ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1806825/Arizona-Diamondbacks-manager-Chip-Hale-Tony-La-Russa-knows-its-my-team As Diamondbacks camp is about to open, here are some things to watch By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/as-diamondbacks-camp-is-about-to-open-here-are-some-things-to-watch ASU baseball embracing its confidence heading into opener By Justin Toscano / The State Press http://www.statepress.com/2015/02/11/asu-baseball-embracing-its-confidence-heading-into-opener/

Complete Arizona Diamondbacks 2015 Spring Training Preview By Adam Young / Bleacher Report http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2356326-complete-arizona-diamondbacks-2015-spring-training-preview Gibson eager to lend new insights to Tigers telecasts By Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/02/11/kirk-gibson-detroit-tigers-fsd/23234725/

AJ McCarron to Make Special Appearance during Alabama Baseball Series at Hank Aaron Stadium By Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150211&content_id=108975794&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t417&sid=t417

February 12, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

February 12, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

│

2

D-backs banking on comebacks from key players Unable to get on track in '14, Trumbo aims to return to slugging form By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/108927040/d-backs-banking-on-comebacks-from-key-players-in-2015 When you have the worst record in baseball and a host of injuries, chances are good that you'll have a host of players looking to rebound after 2014. Such is the case with the D-backs, who had 15 players spend time on the disabled list totaling 1,417 days, second most in the Major Leagues behind the Rangers. With pitchers and catchers set to report to Salt River Fields in just more than a week, here's a look at some of the players the D-backs are counting on to rebound in 2015: 2B Aaron Hill: Hill battled nagging injuries throughout last year and watched his numbers drop off from a solid 2013. With two years and $24 million left on his contract, the D-backs could sure use a productive Hill at second base. RHP Brad Ziegler: Ziegler, who has been a key member of the bullpen over the past three-plus seasons, underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee last September. SS Chris Owings: After winning the starting shortstop job out of Spring Training, Owings played well before injuring his left shoulder in late June. He missed two months and eventually needed offseason surgery. He'll be brought along slowly this spring, but the team is counting on him to be ready for Opening Day. RHP Trevor Cahill: Cahill's 2014 saw him demoted all the way to Class A to work on his mechanics. In the final year of his contract, he could boost the D-backs' rotation if he can somehow find a way to recapture his past success. RHP David Hernandez Counted on to be their top setup man, Hernandez suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament and underwent Tommy John surgery. He is expected back sometime early in the season and would be a welcome addition to the bullpen. OF Mark Trumbo: Trumbo was never able to get on track in 2014 after foot issues that started in Spring Training. The team is counting on him to be healthy and produce the kind of power it was looking for when he was acquired from the Angels. LHP Patrick Corbin: Corbin was set to be the Opening Day starter before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in his final spring tuneup. He is not expected back until June. RHP Jeremy Hellickson: The D-backs acquired him from the Rays in November and are banking on the fact that he can be more like the pitcher he was in Tampa Bay from 2010-12 rather than the 2013-14 version.

OF Cody Ross: Ross suffered a horrific dislocation and fracture of his hip in 2013 and did not seem fully recovered in 2014. Able to train for an entire offseason should help him be ready for 2015.

Diamondbacks' Aaron Hill looking for bounce-back year By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/02/10/arizona-diamondbacks-aaron-hill-spring-training-mlb/23189979/ Aaron Hill has done this before. He's come off down seasons in the major leagues and managed to return to higher levels of production. But if you're looking for the primary reason Hill believes he still has productive years left in him as a big-league second baseman, it's less about that experience and more about how he feels with less than two weeks to go before spring training starts at Salt River Fields. "My body feels great," he said. "My swing feels great. Everything is where I'd like it to be. "I've had a lot of years where I've done a lot of great things. I think I'll be back at that." Things can change quickly in baseball. A year ago, Hill's recent production ranked second only to Robinson Cano among major leaguers at his position. He was one of the organization's core players, a leader with a good work ethic and a grinder mentality. But then came a .244 average, a dip in power, a new front office and a collection of young players pushing for playing time. This year, Hill will have to fight for a position, with the Diamondbacks saying he could fit at either second base or third base. In a perfect world — both for the team and for Hill — young slugger Yasmany Tomas will play third and Hill will man second. Though defensive metrics indicate his range fell off last season, Hill doesn't think a position change is necessary. "I know I can play second base for a couple of good years," said Hill, who turns 33 next month. "I'm a realist, as well. Until I start feeling that decline or whatever you call it, if it happens, I'll be honest with myself. But right now I feel great. Hopefully, it's with these guys, but no matter where it's at, it's going to be fun in that I know I can play second base." The Diamondbacks can only hope he's right. If he swings the bat the way he did a couple of years ago, he would not be just another dangerous hitter in their lineup; It would make the $12 million they owe him this season and next either money well-spent or less of a hindrance in a possible trade. Hill doesn't offer a whole lot on what happened last season. He says he started to struggle and pressed to find his way out. That's human nature, he said. When asked about injuries that might have played a part — there was a sore shoulder, an ankle issue, a wrist problem that General

│

3

Manager Dave Stewart alluded to last month — Hill downplayed them, as he usually does. "That's what happens," he said. "Some years you have bumps and bruises that you deal with all year, and whether or not that affects the performance ... I don't know. I'm never going to blame anything on that. Other years you go through and you may not have anything. It's amazing." All he knows is, he feels good now. He went back to an off-season workout regimen he employed in the past but, for whatever reason, got away from last year. He added muscle and was surprised to find himself lose five or six pounds, down to 194. "I feel awesome," Hill said. "I haven't felt this good in a long time." Last year's struggles, he said, were a learning experience, and he pointed to lessons his father, Walter, taught him about being a sponge, about the down periods being the times when you glean the most. But there's a simple baseball truism he already knew long before last year, one that applies to his 2015 season. "No matter what," he said, "you've got to perform." He's confident he will.

Junior Achievement helps Valley youth plot a career By Brandon Hamilton / NBC 12 http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/12-news/2015/02/11/12-news-junior-achievement-us-airways-banner-health-papa-johns/23256903/ When you were in 5th and 6th grade, were you already thinking about a career? Maybe opening and operating a business? Well the kids at Wildfire Elementary School are, all thanks to Junior Achievement of Arizona BizTown. This Mission? To prepare young people for success in the global economy. That's done by teaching critical skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness. Students arrive at JA BizTown and immediately go into the job interview process. Once they're assigned their jobs and business, the work begins. The first step is getting a business loan from Wells Fargo followed by meeting with their employees to discuss a plan for making a profit and operating a successful company. Jobs include CEO's, CFO's, Sales and Marketing Teams and even more specific jobs like TV anchors and reporters. There are 25 Businesses at BizTown. Those include US Airways, Banner Health, Papa Johns and even our very own DBacks. It is a high paced, high energy environment that gives kids the opportunity to get a taste of the real world. Everything from depositing checks, learning how to balance a checkbook, price goods and services they sell, become consumers and producers

within a functioning economy, practice responsible citizenship by voting and paying taxes and implementing marketing campaigns. The end goal? Paying off the business loan by the end of the day. For more information, visit http://20www.jaaz.org.

Cactus League Countdown: Questions abound behind the plate By Jack Magruder / FOX Sports Arizona http://www.foxsports.com/arizona/story/diamondbacks-cactus-league-countdown-questions-abound-behind-the-plate-021115 PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks saved $40 million by trading Miguel Montero to the Chicago Cubs this offseason, and with the deal signaled a changing of the guard. Montero grew up in the D-backs system and spent parts of the previous eight seasons in the major leagues, the franchise fixture behind the plate since winning the starting job in the second half of 2008. Only knee and back injuries kept him off the field during the past six seasons. Now, the D-backs will try something new. A look at the catching candidates: Projected starter Tuffy Gosewisch -- .225, 1 homer, 7 RBI Projected reserve Gerald Laird -- .204, 0 homers, 10 RBI Also in camp Oscar Hernandez Peter O'Brien Jordan Pacheco Blake Lalli Matt Pagnozzi Mark Thomas Spring storylines -- A former ASU player, Gosewisch in his third season with the D-backs, having returned home as a minor league free agent in 2013. He made his first trip to the majors late that year, after an injury to backup Henry Blanco, and got irregular duty as Montero's backup last season. Gosewisch works well with his pitchers and controls the running game, nailing 42 percent of the base runners attempting to steal on him last season. He has not hit much in limited major league opportunities and his bat remains a question mark, although that may be less of an issue to the D-backs, who want their catcher to handle the staff first. -- Laird recently was signed to a minor league deal and invited to spring to add veteran depth. He did not hit well last season in Atlanta but had good offensive seasons earlier in his 12-year major league career. -- Hernandez was selected from Tampa Bay with the first overall pick in the Rule 5 draft, and the D-backs describe him as a

│

4

defense-first backstop. If he does not make the opening day roster he must be offered back to the Rays, so he has that going for him. At the same time, teams have been known to work late spring deals in order to keep Rule 5 players in the organization. -- O'Brien is the most intriguing candidate, and general manager Dave Stewart said he believes O'Brien could be a factor this season. O'Brien is the opposite of the others -- his bat carries his game. Scouts have criticized O'Brien's defensive skills, but the D-backs have been impressed with his work ethic and his attention to detail during their time spent with him in the Arizona Fall League and in offseason work. Keep an eye on Jordan Pacheco has a good bat, and after being designated for assignment early in the offseason rejoined the D-backs on a minor league deal. He has bounced around the field, playing mostly first base and third base early in his career with Colorado before a gradual conversion to catcher. Down on the farm The D-backs are not particularly deep at the position. Stryker Trahan, a first-round pick out of high school in 2012, moved from catcher to right field and back to catcher last season in a search to find a comfort level. He showed pop in his bat but had trouble making contact in Class A ball. -- Michael Perez, a fifth-round choice in 2011, has shown more offense that defense, and he repeated Low-A South Bend last season. -- Former 2012 fifth-round pick Ronnie Freeman hit well in his first stop at High-A Visalia last season.

ESPN writer predicts Arizona Diamondbacks will again finish with MLB's worst record By ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1806949/ESPN-writer-predicts-Arizona-Diamondbacks-will-again-finish-with-MLBs-worst-record At 64-98, the Arizona Diamondbacks finished with the worst record in baseball last season. Things were bad early on, with the team as many as 14 games under .500 before the end of April. And the organization began troubleshooting early, too, with the surprise hire of Tony La Russa as Chief Baseball Officer in May. In July, as the trade deadline neared, they sought to unload players like Brandon McCarthy, Gerardo Parra, Martin Prado and Joe Thatcher in favor of prospects. The D-backs maintained their rebuilding approach in the offseason, with newly-hired general manager Dave Stewart at the helm following the September demotion of Kevin Towers. Chip Hale was hired as the team's next manager after Kirk Gibson was let go. Stewart made a splash with the signing of Cuban third baseman/ outfielder Yasmany Tomas before trading away Wade Miley,

Miguel Montero and Didi Gregorius for a haul of pitching prospects. Despite the barrage of changes to 2014's woeful team, ESPN writer David Schoenfield predicted that the D-backs would once again finish with baseball's worst record in 2015. He forecasts a 66-96 finish, pointing out his reasoning in a blog post for ESPN.com. ... La Russa hired a veterinarian named Dr. Ed Lewis, whom he has known for 30 years and worked with in the past, as the team's director of analytics. There are certainly different ways of doing things but this regime doesn't look all that different so far from the previous one that espoused grit and toughness. Stewart's first moves brought in some interesting young arms but this is still a rotation that doesn't look much better than the group that ranked 27th in the majors in ERA in 2014. Offensively, the D-backs plan to rely on the power of Goldschmidt, Trumbo and Tomas. The issues here are even if Trumbo hits 30 home runs, he owns a .298 career OBP and he's a big defensive liability in the outfield; Tomas may end up profiling similar to Trumbo as a guy with a low OBP who doesn't project as a plus defender at either third base or left field. Catcher is currently a black hole -- Tuffy Gosewisch, come on down -- and the whole lineup aside from Goldschmidt has an aversion to taking walks. In the post, Schoenfield also lists the players whom he expects to improve and regress while calling Tomas the "most intriguing" player on the roster.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale: Tony La Russa knows 'it's my team' By Jacob White / ArizonaSports.com http://arizonasports.com/42/1806825/Arizona-Diamondbacks-manager-Chip-Hale-Tony-La-Russa-knows-its-my-team Tony La Russa could be more than intimidating for a first-year manager, but Arizona Diamondbacks skipper Chip Hale won't be looking over his shoulder this season. "It's my team," Hale told Doug and Wolf during Newsmakers Week on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. "He knows that and he's just trying to mentor me and give me the tools to be a better manager." Hale was hired in October after the Diamondbacks finished the 2014 season with 64-98 record, the worst in baseball. Although he has never been a major-league manager before, he isn't a stranger to coaching. Hale managed three different D-backs' affiliates starting in 2000, including the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders from 2004-06. In 2006, he was named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year after he led the Sidewinders to Triple-A and PCL championships. Hale then moved up to the major-league club where he was the third base and infield coach from 2007-09 under Bob Melvin. La Russa has won three World Series titles and six pennants in his 33 years as a major-league manager. He won the manager of the year award four times and finished in the top five of the voting in each of his last 11 years in the dugout. He managed the

│

5

Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and the St. Louis Cardinals where he retired with 2,728 wins as a skipper, third-most all time in the MLB. Even with those impressive marks, Hale isn't concerned that La Russa will try to dictate the managing process. "It will be fine," Hale said. "He'll come down; we'll talk about the game. He and Dave (Stewart) both will come down and talk, probably nightly at home and they'll give a lot of good advice. His thing is, you have to do what you have to do. He even tells me, ‘I did a lot of crazy things managing. But you have to trust your gut.'"

As Diamondbacks camp is about to open, here are some things to watch By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/as-diamondbacks-camp-is-about-to-open-here-are-some-things-to-watch With pitchers and catchers reporting to the Diamondbacks’ Salt River facility next Thursday, the usual spring optimism is sure to prevail. Then, five days later, position players arrive, and by Wed. Feb. 26, the clubhouse will be cluttered with around 60 players, coaches and support personnel. While the Diamondbacks prepare to extricate themselves from the disastrous 2014 season in which they finished with the worst record in major league baseball, most eyes will be on the starting pitching and search for clues on the team’s overall posture. With spring training about to open, here are a few things to notice. NEW MANAGER Chip Hale enters his first season as the Diamondbacks skipper and replaces Kirk Gibson, who managed Arizona just before the 2010 All-Star break until he was fired with three games to go in the 2014 season. Hale brings an heightened spirit, an elan and high energy, not to mention his passion for the game. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Hale was last seen as manager Bob Melvin’s bench coach in Oakland. With ties to the area, as well as Melvin’s third base coach with the Diamondbacks in 2007 and 2008, Hale’s presence, approach and personality should be the antithesis of Gibson. PITCHING STAFF While the bullpen remains essentially intact, general manager Dave Stewart made significant changes in the off-season. Bringing in Robbie Ray, Jeremy Hellickson, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa and Yoan Lopez as potential starters, the make-up of the rotation should have nearly a clean look. About the only returnee with a spot is Josh Collmenter, who would be regarded as a fourth at best, or fifth starter just about anywhere else. Left-hander Patrick Corbin, who went 14-8 and a 3.41 ERA two years ago before landing in the trainer’s room with Tommy John surgery late last March, is not expected back until May or

June. If Corbin returns at that time, his effectiveness would have to be determined. INFIELD COMPETITON On paper, the Diamondbacks believe they have a plethora of quality infielders. With a two-year, $24 million Aaron Hill contract choking Stewart, the Diamondbacks are trying to obtain some value from the 33-year-old native of Visalia, Calif. With the trade of shortstop Didi Gregorius in the off-season. that transaction essentially gives the shortstop job to Chris Owings and Hill back at his normal position at second. By the end of last season, Gibson had Hill playing third, but Hill belongs at second. That opens third base for rookie Yasmany Tomas and the Hale-Stewart regime is left to make personnel decisions on Cliff Pennington, Nick Ahmed and Nick Punto. While Stewart says he likes the infield depth, the question remains on the value and possible production of each player. OUTFIELD If Stewart believes the infield could encounter a traffic jam, the same could be said for the outfield. Here, Stewart made no changes but only to move Mark Trumbo from left field to right field. That puts A. J. Pollock back in center, where the 27-year-old native of Hebron, Conn. is regarded a rising star in the majors. That would then place Ender Incirate, David Peralta and Cody Ross to battle for the left field slot and/or eventually make the team as a reserve outfielder. ONE PLAYER TO WATCH THIS SPRING The most intriguing could be catcher Peter O’Brien. When acquired from the New York Yankees last summer for infielder Martin Prado, O’Brien carried the reputation of a big bat but weak glove. Though his work in the Arizona Fall League this past autumn, O’Brien felt the critics were misleading and took pride in how he called a game and employment of strong defensive skills. If that’s the case, and his defensive improvement is cited and quantified, O’Brien could be in the majors within a short period of time. Stewart said many times during the off-season he expect to see O’Brien in Sedona Red sooner than later. While the Diamondbacks handed the catching job to Tuffy Gosewisch for now, O’Brien’s development could change the Diamondbacks’ catching picture for the season ahead and the future. FOR THE FANS .. Workouts, beginning Friday Feb. 20 at Salt River, are free and open to all fans. The Diamondbacks ask fans to park in the Desert Lot on the Diamondbacks’ side of the Salt River complex, and be sensitive to the players’ workout schedule and routine. Access to the complex is off the 101 at either the Indian Bend or via de Ventura exits. BACK IN THE GAME Former Diamondbacks’ manager Kirk Gibson has resurfaced back in Detroit.

│

6

He’ll join the Tigers’ television crew as an analyst. Gibson will team with former Detroit pitcher Jack Morris and Rod Allen to form part of the Tigers’’ broadcast team for FOX Sports Detroit. The trio is slated to work with Mario Impemba, who enters his 13th season as Detroit’s play-by-play broadcaster. "I'm looking forward to getting back in the booth this season," Gibson said in the release from Fox Sports Detroit. "I'm excited to offer some insights as both a player and manager on such a talented team and organization as the Detroit Tigers."

ASU baseball embracing its confidence heading into opener By Justin Toscano / The State Press http://www.statepress.com/2015/02/11/asu-baseball-embracing-its-confidence-heading-into-opener/ Regardless of where it comes from, ASU baseball is displaying a heavy, but healthy dose of confidence heading into the first game of the Tracy Smith era. ASU’s confidence could come from its coach, Tracy Smith, who labeled himself as a confident leader. Smith said he looks to distinguish the quality between those who feign it and those who actually possess it. “I look for the ones that I can look in the eye and believe what they’re selling, and what we try to do as a coaching staff is model the behavior we expect out of our guys,” he said. “I think they are going to take on the personality of their leader.” He also said the confidence level will boil over to the team’s on-field performance. “If we are going to make a mistake, it’s going to be of an aggressive nature and not because we’re playing scared,” Smith said. Junior pitcher Ryan Kellogg said much of the team’s certainty is innate, but Smith has tried to keep instilling it in the players. “I think a lot of it is natural, but he’s a confident guy, and he’s not going to back down from any challenge,” he said. Another junior pitcher, Ryan Burr, said the team is focused on itself more than its opponents heading into the opener, noting the series against Oklahoma State and TCU on the first two weekends of the season. He said playing two of the country’s top teams to start the year will give ASU a good gauge to where it’s at and what it needs to improve on to compete with other top teams as the year progresses. “There’s not a better or tougher schedule in the country than ours in my opinion, and we’re going to come out and see what we’re made of these first two weekends,” he said. “We’re not scared of anybody.We’re playing the Diamondbacks this year and while that will be fun; we’re not scared.” He also said part of ASU baseball’s assurance in itself comes from its close bond as a team, which could be because the

upperclassmen leaders who have been together since they were freshmen. “It’s baseball, and we’re not scared of who we play,” Burr said. “We’re just going to play our game and play for each other, which is something that I think everyone will see out of us this year.” Junior second baseman and reliever Jordan Aboites said Smith’s sense of urgency and expectations of perfection have created a different feel to this season. “Obviously no one is perfect, but we definitely strive to be,” he said. “We do the best we can for him and ourselves. The biggest difference is the way we practice and prepare has been really fast-paced and he has encouraged us to want to be out on the field even on our days off.” He said Smith’s encouragement has gone a long way in developing the mindset of the team in his first year as head coach. “You want to have a team that can do stuff on its own,” Aboites said. “We’ve really taken it upon ourselves to want to win and want to get better.

Complete Arizona Diamondbacks 2015 Spring Training Preview By Adam Young / Bleacher Report http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2356326-complete-arizona-diamondbacks-2015-spring-training-preview The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a disappointing 2014 season that concluded with a 64-98 record—worst in the MLB. The 2015 season has a new look to it already. New general manager Dave Stewart and Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa should leave D-Backs fans feeling optimistic about the future. La Russa went as far to say that he would be "absolutely brokenhearted" if Arizona fails to produce a winning record this season. In the past six, the D-Backs have only had one winning season. That was in 2011 that resulted in a National League West title. Several big offseason acquisitions should help in that regard. But there are still major holes in Arizona's roster that need to be filled or improved in order to compete in the division. The process will begin February 19 when pitchers and catchers report. Key Losses Miguel Montero, C Wade Miley, LHP Didi Gregorius, SS

│

7

Key Additions Jeremy Hellickson, RHP Yasmany Tomas, 3B, OF Rubby De La Rosa, RHP Allen Webster, RHP Robbie Ray, LHP The Diamondbacks offseason was successful on most fronts. GM Stewart emphasized the need for power arms, citing former greats Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson. The addition of these young arms like De La Rosa, Webster and Hellickson should build a solid foundation. At least one of them should be a capable replacement for Miley, who was sent to Boston. Adding the Cuban slugger, Tomas, will give Paul Goldschmidt more protection in the lineup. The idea that Goldschmidt will likely be followed by Tomas and Trumbo in the order should be tough for opposing pitchers to attack. However, losing Miguel Montero in a trade with the Cubs leaves a huge hole behind the plate. Tuffy Gosewisch currently will be filling that void. He only hit .225 with one home run in 41 games last season. The Gregorius trade, on the other hand, should help Arizona. The D-Backs still have shortstop Chris Owings who is the better offensive player of the two. He certainly has the potential to be the shortstop of the future. The D-Backs top acquisition in the deal was pitcher, Robbie Ray. At age 23, Ray has plenty of time to mature. His journey will likely begin in the bullpen. How quickly the young acquisitions can mature will likely determine whether or not Arizona will be able to compete in the NL West in 2015. Injuries plagued the D-Backs throughout the 2014 season. Patrick Corbin, Mark Trumbo, A.J. Pollock, Bronson Arroyo and David Hernandez were just several players hit by the injury bug. Most of the aforementioned players will likely enter spring training healthy. The biggest concern for D-Backs fans is the health of Corbin. Corbin is coming off Tommy John surgery performed in March of 2014. He is scheduled to return as early as June. Corbin was 14-8 with a 3.41 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 2013. Corbin's return will be critical to the success of the D-Backs in 2015. Other pitchers rehabbing from Tommy John include Arroyo, Hernandez and Matt Reynolds. Hernandez is scheduled to return as early as May. He will provide Arizona with another flamethrower in the bullpen and will likely compete for the setup-man role upon return.

Reynolds was solid out of the bullpen in 2013, sporting a 1.98 ERA in 30 games. His return will add another lefty specialist to the pen. Arroyo will have the toughest road. He is not scheduled to return until at least July. Even if he is to return, it will be tough to unseat one of the younger arms in the rotation, especially coming off such a serious injury. Exit former GM Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson. Enter Dave Stewart and Chip Hale. After four years of poor trades, most notably the Justin Upton deal, Towers was fired by the Diamondbacks. Kirk Gibson was also fired by Chief Baseball Officer La Russa. La Russa cited "starting fresh" as the reasoning behind the changes. With new management, the expectations for success are now much higher. Despite no GM experience, Jerry Krasnick of ESPN believes Stewart is qualified for the position. He emphasized that Stewart has the luxury of working with La Russa. This will help make the transition from a former player to a member of the front office painless. Stewart has also been active this offseason in adding power pitching and other young players that should have fans excited for the future. Hale will step into a manager role for the first time in his coaching career. He previously spent time with the D-Backs organization in 2006 under Bob Melvin. His fiery attitude may be just what Arizona needed after several lackluster seasons with a more reserved Gibson. And, of course, with Tony La Russa at the helm, building a World Series team is never out of the question. Projected Lineup 1.A.J. Pollock, CF 2.David Peralta, LF 3.Paul Goldschmidt, 1B 4.Yasmany Tomas, 3B 5.Mark Trumbo, RF 6.Aaron Hill, 2B 7.Chris Owings, SS 8.Tuffy Gosewisch, C 9.Pitcher spot Bench 1.Cliff Pennington, INF 2.Ender Inciarte, OF 3.Oscar Hernandez, C 4.Cody Ross, OF The D-Backs will put together one of their more talented lineups in recent years. Leading off, A.J. Pollock will look to improve on his career year. Last season, he hit .302 with 32 extra-base hits in 75 games.

│

8

Peralta should be a solid No. 2 hitter coming off a surprising rookie season. Peralta hit .286 with eight home runs in 88 games. He added nine triples while showing off his deceptive speed despite his large 215-pound frame. Then there's the gauntlet of Goldschmidt, Tomas and Trumbo. The three power hitters all have the potential to hit 30-plus home runs if they all stay healthy. Having Tomas and Trumbo behind Goldschmidt will not allow opposing pitchers to pitch around Goldschmidt as much as last season. They should also see plenty of RBI opportunities if Pollock and Peralta continue to get on base. The final three positional spots are where the lineup trails off a bit. Hill is coming off a disappointing season in which he hit .244 with only 10 home runs in 133 games. Owings showed some offensive potential last season, hitting .261 with six home runs in 91 games. But Owings' offensive still remains an unknown considering he has yet to play a full season in the big leagues. Gosewisch could be a liability on offense and is a significant downgrade from Montero. A .225 batting average will not cut it in 2015. Overall, the top half of the lineup looks fierce. The bottom half has potential but will need to at least be average to provide some stability. Nevertheless, expect Arizona to score more runs this season and help out the new-look pitching staff. Projected Rotation 1.Josh Collmenter, RHP 2.Jeremy Hellickson, RHP 3.Chase Anderson, RHP 4.Rubby De La Rosa, RHP 5.Vidal Nuno, LHP The D-Backs rotation this season does not look to be strong entering spring training. The only returning full-time starter from the 2014 rotation is Josh Collmenter. Collmenter is slated to be the Opening Day Starter after going 11-9 with a 3.46 ERA last season. However, he is not a top-of-the-rotation type of pitcher. His fastball only averages 86 mph. His tomahawk-throwing style should be enough to keep hitters off balanced, but don't expect No. 1 starter numbers from Collmenter. Acquired in a trade from the Rays, Hellickson will look to return to his 2011 form in which he won the AL Rookie of the Year award. He is coming off a surgically repaired elbow, but a change of scenery should provide him with a fresh start. Chase Anderson had a solid rookie season in Arizona last season, going 9-7 with a 4.01 ERA. He won his first five career

decisions, becoming the first pitcher to do so since Jered Weaver and Kaz Ishii. He will look to avoid a sophomore slump after losing seven of his last 11 decisions in 2014. De La Rosa and Nuno will round out the back of the rotation. De La Rosa went 4-8 in 18 starts in Boston last season, while Nuno failed to win a game after being traded to Arizona. But both have reasons to be optimistic heading into 2015. De La Rosa's fastball ranges from 95-100 mph and will have a chance to make an immediate impact. This will give him time to mature. Nuno, on the other hand, will hope for some better luck in 2015. Despite not winning a game, he pitched better than the numbers indicate. His ERA was a respectable 3.76. Addison Reed, RHP, Closer Brad Ziegler, RHP Evan Marshall, RHP Matt Stites, RHP Matt Reynolds, LHP Robbie Ray, LHP Oliver Perez, LHP Addison Reed will return as the closer in 2015. Last season he struggled, going 1-7 with a 4.25 ERA. He blew six saves. Surrendering home runs was the major issue for Reed, as he allowed 11 of them. Expect the D-Backs coaching staff to look for any mechanical issues and resolve that problem heading into 2015. A trio of right-handed pitchers will return to the bullpen entering spring training. The submarine-throwing Ziegler will likely see a lot of appearances in the seventh and eighth frames. Marshall and Stites will look to overpower opposing hitters with their dominant fastballs. Both are only 24 years old and should be fresh. Then come the lefties. Old reliable, Oliver Perez was solid last season in specialized situations posting a 2.91 ERA. Reynolds had an impressive 2013 campaign with the D-Backs before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He should be healthy entering 2015. Robbie Ray is the X-factor. He struggled mightily as a starter with the Tigers last season with an 8.16 ERA in nine games (six starts). If he can transition to a spot in the bullpen, he can provide some value to an Arizona bullpen that has struggled greatly the past two seasons. Peter O'Brien, C

│

9

O'Brien made some noise in the minor leagues last season for both the Yankees and D-Backs. He split time between High-A and Double-A in which he combined to hit .271 with 34 home runs. This kind of power at the catcher position is something Arizona will likely be longing for after the departure of Miguel Montero. If O'Brien continues to mash the ball, he could find his way to the big league roster sooner than later. Braden Shipley, RHP Drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft, Shipley has a lot to live up to. After struggling in 2013, Shipley bounced back last season and combined to go 7-8 with a 3.86 ERA, finishing the season at Double-A. He struck out 127 hitters in 126 innings. That is an impressive stat for a 22-year-old. His fastball, which sits in the mid to upper 90s, complements his devastating changeup. His curveball has also steadily improved since being drafted according to Jeff Wiser from Inside the Zona. Shipley is looking like a steal for the D-Backs who could make an impact in 2015. Archie Bradley, RHP Bradley has not lived up to the hype since being drafted seventh overall in the 2011 MLB draft. He squandered an opportunity to win a spot in the rotation in spring training last year. However, Nick Piecoro has reported that Bradley looked better in the Arizona Fall League. His fastball was more lively and looked to have resolved some control issues that hurt him in the past. If there's a time where Bradley can contribute, the time is now. The rotation remains a huge question mark entering spring training and is loaded with other young arms. Watch out for Bradley to make an impact in 2015. Yasmany Tomas Tomas was signed to a six-year, $68.5 million contract with the D-Backs this offseason. Playing in Cuba, Tomas showed some serious power. In 2011 with the Industriales de La Habana, he clubbed 16 home runs in only 69 games. He followed with 15 home runs in 81 games the following season. In the hitter-friendly confines of Chase Field, Tomas should be capable of 30-plus home runs if he can stay healthy. Opposing pitchers will not have the luxury of pitching around him with Trumbo and Goldschmidt nearby in the order. David Peralta

Peralta may have already had a "breakout" season in 2014. His combination of speed, power and fielding surprised D-Backs fans and MLB fans alike. Beginning the season at Double-A, Peralta was called up and set the franchise record with 60 hits in his first 50 games. If he can find his niche in the No. 2 spot in the order, Peralta will likely help Arizona score plenty of runs with the "big three" behind him. The Diamondbacks' three most important training-camp position battles will be catcher, left field and the No. 1 starter. Catcher GM Stewart has made it clear that Arizona will not be acquiring another catcher this offseason. Gerald Laird was recently signed, but only to a minor league deal. Tuffy Gosewisch is the starting catcher on the depth chart now and is the only D-Back with major league experience. That bodes well for him when he competes against Oscar Hernandez and perhaps Peter O'Brien for the job. Gosewisch hit only .225 last season but played in a career-high 41 games. Hernandez is currently listed as the backup but has only reached Low-A ball. He is known for his defense where he posted a .982 fielding percentage. He threw out 41 percent of base-stealers. O'Brien is the attractive offensive option having hit 34 home runs last year in High-A and Double-A. But for now, the job is Gosewisch's to lose based on experience. Left Field Yasmany Tomas has earned praise from the Arizona organization for his job so far playing third base. Assuming that does not change, the left field position is David Peralta's to lose. As mentioned last slide, Peralta broke out offensively playing in 88 games. He has also shown the ability to cover a lot of ground in the outfield despite his physical size. His only competition right now is another young breakout player—Ender Inciarte. Inciarte hit .278 while swiping 19 bags last season. He recorded the franchise's longest hitting streak for a rookie by recording a hit in 18 straight games. Between Peralta and Inciarte, the latter possesses the better outfield arm. But Peralta has more power in his bat and with A.J. Pollock in center field covering ground, the better offensive player will win the job in left. No. 1 Starter Josh Collmenter is listed as the Opening Day starter on the depth chart. Unfortunately for Collmenter, that doesn't mean a poor performance in spring training cannot change that.

│

10

Jeremy Hellickson could make a run at the No. 1 starter position if he can put together a stellar spring training. Hellickson throws harder than Collmenter and has been an established starter throughout his career. Collmenter began his career primarily as a starter in 2011. Then he transitioned to a long reliever before becoming a full-time starter again in 2014. Collmenter led the team in wins and ERA last season and is the only returning starter that is a lock to make the rotation. Unless Hellickson overpowers Collmenter in spring training, expect to see the tomahawk-tossing right hander on the mound Opening Day.

Gibson eager to lend new insights to Tigers telecasts By Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/02/11/kirk-gibson-detroit-tigers-fsd/23234725/ Kirk Gibson is changing gears. After four years as a big-league manager, he's back to being a big-league fan. And he'll be rooting for the only team he ever has. "I've been a Tiger fan my whole life," he said. "I'm excited to be back." Gibson is back alongside the Tigers, the team he grew up watching in Waterford and for which he starred during two stints that totaled 12 seasons -- including the World Series championship in 1984 -- and back in the broadcast booth, working as a color commentator for Fox Sports Detroit. "A little change of pace for me," he said. "It's good to be home, comfortable to be home and back with Fox. It's great to be part of the organization again." Gibson, 57, will join Jack Morris and Rod Allen in a new analyst rotation that FSD will debut on television broadcasts this year. The trio will split time in the two-man booth on a game-by-game basis. Gibson worked in the same role for FSD for five seasons (1998-2002) before getting his coaching start as the Tigers' bench coach under Alan Trammell in 2003. "When I first got into television, I commented as a fan and a player," he said. "I learned what it was like to be an analyst, what interested people, and now that I've been a manager for the last several years, it gives you a different perspective. "You understand why certain things are done, why they weren't done and, hopefully, I can help people understand that part of the game." Gibson went 353-375 in four-plus seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was fired Sept. 26.

He isn't thinking about a return to the dugout right now, just using this opportunity to spend more time with his family and watch his sons play sports. He will work around 60 games this season, he said, and occasionally will go on the road. "Everybody watches the Tigers," he said. "Around the house, at the bar, with your buddies. There's lots of conversations, lots of frustration and questions, and I think I'll be able to add some interesting insights. "We'll have some fun, have some laughs and hope the Tigers get it done."

AJ McCarron to Make Special Appearance during Alabama Baseball Series at Hank Aaron Stadium By Mobile BayBears http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150211&content_id=108975794&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t417&sid=t417 MOBILE, AL - The Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club announced today that former University of Alabama quarterback, AJ McCarron, will be making an appearance when the University of Alabama baseball team comes to Mobile for a three-games series against Lipscomb University at Hank Aaron Stadium, March 6-8, 2015. Fans will have an opportunity to meet and take photos with the two-time BCS Championship winning QB before the Friday night game on March 6, when gates open at 6 pm. "I am very glad to have the opportunity to meet the fans before the game," said McCarron. "Having been in Cincinnati over the past several months, it is really nice to come home to the city that I love and see the many wonderful people who have supported me over the years." Following the fan meet and greet, McCarron will join his alma mater on the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. "I am very honored to have been asked by The Mobile BayBears to throw out the first pitch at the Alabama baseball series in March," said McCarron. "I grew up going to watch the BayBears play and, of course, getting to see my alma mater play in person at Hank Aaron Stadium makes it even more special." McCarron is one of the winningest quarterbacks in college football history and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2014 NFL draft. Prior to joining the Bengals, McCarron posted a 36-4 record in three seasons as a Crimson Tide starter, leading Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, McCarron was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. "I am so thankful for the opportunities that the University of Alabama gave me," McCarron said. "My time there is something that I will always cherish, so throwing out the first pitch of this series is truly an honor that I am looking forward to."

│

11

This will be the first time since 2004 that Alabama has played at Hank Aaron Stadium and the first time ever that they have played a three-game, weekend series at the stadium. Chris Morgan, General Manager of the Mobile BayBears, is not only excited that they are hosting this series but he is also excited that McCarron is taking part in first game of the series. "It's been over 10 years since the BayBears have hosted the University of Alabama at Hank Aaron Stadium and we are thrilled to be working with the Mobile Sports Authority to host them again for three games in March. I am also thrilled that AJ is coming back to the place that he loves to support his alma mater as well as to meet the many fans who have supported him over the years." The three-game series begins with McCarron's appearance on Friday night beginning at 6 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The series continues with a 7:05 p.m. contest on Saturday, March 7, with the series finale set for 2:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Mobile BayBears through their website, www.MobileBayBears.com, via phone at 251-479-BEAR (2327), or in-person at Hank Aaron Stadium during normal office hours, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase single game tickets or a full series package. Single game ticket prices start at just $8 and a complete three-game series bundle starts at just $18. A direct link to purchasing tickets to the series is available by clicking HERE. The BayBears 2015 season opens on the road April 9, at the Birmingham Barons. Hank Aaron Stadium will host the home opener versus the Biloxi Shuckers on April 15, at 6:35 p.m. The BayBears will look to clinch a playoff spot for the sixth consecutive season. For more information on the BayBears, or for more information on purchasing tickets for the 2015 season, call 251-479-BEAR (2327) or visit the official team website at www.MobileBayBears.com. You can also "Like" the Mobile BayBears on Facebook and follow the team on both Instagram and Twitter using the handle @Mobile_BayBears.

February 12, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews February 12, 2015

Phillies rejected Brewers’ offer of Jonathan Broxton for Jonathan Papelbon 10:47 am EST (NBC Sports)

Francisco Rodriguez is holding out for a two-year contract 10:15 am EST (NBC Sports)

Which spring training invitee has best chance to stick? 9:36 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Photo of the Day: Fenway Park is a Winter Wonderland 9:30 am EST (NBC Sports)

The Mariners plan to use Rickie Weeks in the outfield “a lot” 9:01 am EST (NBC Sports)

Matt Harvey: A-Rod’s return is “exciting, good for baseball” 8:25 am EST (NBC Sports)

The Indians will have some weekday games start at 6:10 this season 7:18 am EST (NBC Sports)

Why Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta's biggest critic is his wife 1:29 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Nationals roster preview: Aaron Barrett 1:06 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

February 11, 2015

SportsNet Central Update: JRW stripped of LLWS U.S. title 11:56 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Phillies GM Amaro shares exactly many offers he has for Hamels 11:33 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Mariners sign Rickie Weeks to one-year contract 11:24 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Phillies have received four 'real offers' for Hamels 11:14 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Celebrated Little League team stripped of championship title 10:56 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Nats agree to keep spring training in Florida for a long, long time 10:54 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Video: James Shields introduced in San Diego 10:27 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Around MLB: American League East offseason in review 10:16 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

CSN's complete coverage of Jackie Robinson West controversy 10:13 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Williams to White Sox: 'Throw out whatever anybody is saying' 9:42 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

White Sox Williams offers strong support to Jackie Robinson West 9:28 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Matt Harvey throws his first bullpen session of spring 9:13 pm EST (NBC Sports)

James Shields and Padres finalize $75 million, 4-year deal 9:09 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Merloni: Should Sox trade Betts or Swihart for Hamels? 8:47 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Phillies have received four “real offers” for Cole Hamels 8:08 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Around the MLB: National League East offseason in review 8:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Major League Baseball roundup 7:51 pm EST (Reuters)

│

12

Braves sign Veras, Capps to join bullpen battle in spring 7:48 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Clippard and Athletics agree at $8.3M and avoid arbitration 7:04 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Braves sign Todd Coffey to minor league contract 7:02 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Reliever Jerry Blevins beats Nationals in arbitration 6:59 pm EST (The Associated Press)

A's avoid arbitration with RHP Clippard on one-year deal 6:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Braves sign two former Nats relief pitchers 6:36 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

A’s avoid arbitration with reliever Tyler Clippard 6:15 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Plenty of interest in Cole Hamels, but no trade yet 5:45 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

AP source: Miami Marlins will host 2017 All-Star Game 5:30 pm EST (The Associated Press)

2015 MLB roster outlook: San Francisco Giants 5:22 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

VIDEO: Check out the progress on Wrigley Field 4:57 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Wil Myers declares a winner in the Wil Myers-James Shields trade 4:55 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Do the Red Sox have the best lineup in baseball? 4:48 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

The 56-year-old batboy 4:32 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Indians sign Michael Martinez 4:16 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Baltimore's great athletes far better than D.C. counterparts 4:08 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

The Padres officially announce the James Shields deal: it includes a fifth year team option 3:45 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Countdown to Clearwater: Will Franco make roster? 3:42 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Little League took easy route in punishing kids for wrongdoing of adults 3:26 pm EST (Yahoo Sports)

Report: A's well-represented at Olivera's final showcase 3:24 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Ivan Nova: “I feel like nothing happened” after Tommy John surgery 3:20 pm EST (NBC Sports)

From bigger seats on the airplane to a private toilet for the manager, the Giants look for an edge 2:43 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Little League strips Chicago team of U.S. title for cheating 1:58 pm EST (Reuters)

Matt Harvey is the “New York Bureau Chief” for The Players’ Tribune 1:51 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Little League CEO on JRW: 'This is a heartbreaking decision' 1:48 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Posey plans 'to hit the weights a little bit harder' in spring training 1:32 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

White House blames Little League incident on 'dirty dealing' by adults 1:14 pm EST (Reuters)

Pete Rose would love to meet Rob Manfred 1:00 pm EST (NBC Sports)

The best thing the Yankees ever got from the Red Sox? Not Babe Ruth! It was the third greatest GM of all time 12:30 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Milwaukee's Lucroy to miss 4-to-6 weeks of spring training 12:24 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Bullpen Review: AL East 12:02 pm EST (Rotoworld)

Jimenez clears waivers, will be in Phillies spring training camp 11:46 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

College baseball is changing the ball this year to boost offense 11:32 am EST (NBC Sports)

A quick look at the American League East 11:30 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Blevins wins arbitration case over Nationals 11:22 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Jerry Blevins and the Nationals went through with an arbitration hearing over $200,000 11:18 am EST (NBC Sports)

Orioles “have expressed interest” in Dustin McGowan 10:47 am EST (NBC Sports)

Big names, grand gestures and major challenges: They're the stories of spring 10:41 am EST (Yahoo Sports)

The Padres are said to have made “an aggressive offer” for Cole Hamels 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports)

Brewers star catcher Jonathan Lucroy out 4-6 weeks with hamstring injury 10:15 am EST (NBC Sports)

Apparently, A-Rod should have no goals, no confidence in himself and should shut up 9:53 am EST (NBC Sports)

Jackie Robinson West stripped of U.S. Little League championship 9:28 am EST (Reuters)

Jackie Robinson West stripped of their U.S. Title 9:19 am EST (NBC Sports)

Jackie Robinson West stripped of U.S. title by LLWS 9:11 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Baltimore can forget about All-Star Game in 2017, too 9:00 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Chicago team that beat Taney stripped of Little League U.S. title 8:44 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Help the Indians name their new right field bar 8:35 am EST (NBC Sports)

Wanna buy Steve Carlton’s 1987 World Series ring? 7:29 am EST (NBC Sports)

Nationals roster preview: Jerry Blevins 1:51 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Buckley: 'Buzz' about Red Sox isn't the same 1:32 am EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

Rodriguez apologizes to New York Yankees for drug use 12:57 am EST (AFP)

Could Jackie Robinson West lose Little League title? 12:48 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Former MLB All-Star Franco signs contract at age 56 12:39 am EST (The Associated Press)

U.S. doping chief tells Rodriguez it's time to come clean 12:37 am EST (Reuters)

│

13

February 12, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Last updated: Thu, February 12, 2015, 03:33 EST

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Cincinnati Reds

Chris Dominguez

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Cleveland Indians

Michael Martinez

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Oakland Athletics

Tyler Clippard

Signed, ( 2015)(avoids arbitration)

San Diego Padres

Aaron Northcraft

Designated for Assignment

San Diego Padres

James Shields

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015-2018; Opt 2019)(four-year contract)

Washington Nationals

Jerry Blevins Signed, ( 2015)(wins arbitration)

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Atlanta Braves Matt Capps

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Atlanta Braves Jose Veras

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Pittsburgh Pirates

Vance Worley

Signed, ( 2015)(wins arbitration)

Toronto Blue Jays

Chris Colabello

Outrighted to Minors

Monday, February 9, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Los Angeles Angels

Matt Joyce

Signed, ( 2015)(avoids arbitration)

New York Yankees

Kyle Davies

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Philadelphia Phillies

Cesar Jimenez

Outrighted to Minors

St. Louis Cardinals

Jon Jay

Signed, ( 2015-2016)(two-year deal, avoids arbitration)

Tampa Bay Rays

Jake Elmore

Signed to a Minor League Contract