New technology, new safety measures, and a new relationship with Cuba are what reporter Jesse Sanchez says will be the big stories in baseball this year.
The league's plan, which needs approval from the players' union and both governments, would allow direct pickups of Cuban players — no defections — in exchange for cash support for the sport there.
Venezuela is a key supplier of baseball talent to the U.S. major leagues. Players come up through baseball academies run by the teams. But now, many academies are being shut down.
Lourdes Gourriel Jr. and his older brother Yulieski went missing from their team hotel in Santo Domingo on Monday. Experts saw the potential defection as further sign that Cuban baseball in shambles.
Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens should be interrogated by the baseball commissioner the same way Pete Rose has been, opines sports commentator Frank Deford.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has decided not to lift the ban on Pete Rose, meaning the legendary hitter also will not be eligible for the Hall of Fame.
Starting pitcher Johnny Cueto pitched all nine innings for the Royals, giving the bullpen a break after Game 1's 14-inning marathon. He allowed two singles and three walks in the complete game.