How Will Kris Bryant Be Greeted In 'Boring' St. Louis?

Perhaps St. Louis sports fans will be distracted by the Stanley Cup Final, forgetting that the Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant will be in town for a weekend series. It's the first time Bryant will be in St. Louis since famously calling the city "boring" during a comedy sketch at the team's annual fan convention this winter.

ESPN

Tigers Face New Reality: They're Ready To Sell At Trade Deadline

It's going to be awfully painful, and the Detroit Tigers sure hate to do this, but for the good of the organization, they simply have no choice.

USA Today

Once A Catcher, Rob Johnson Returns To Padres On The Hill

It's easy for Rob Johnson to move through the Padres' Minor League clubhouse without a glance, let alone one of those peculiar, what-is-he-doing-here looks from his new teammates.

San Diego Official Site

John Smoltz, Troy Percival, & Julian Tavarez On The 2015 Hall Of Fame Ballot

The 2015 ballot of candidates for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame will deliver another brushback pitch of reality that an era marked by home runs and slugging really was one flush with great pitching.

MLB Official Site

Could David Eckstein Rejoin The Angels?

With one Eckstein in the house, could another follow?

LA Times

Yankees, Mets Must Weigh Stephen Drew's Playoff Slump

Three thoughts on World Series Game 2, a 4-2 Cardinals win over the Red Sox:

NY Post

Rob Johnson Has Big Job Ahead Of Him In Memphis

Serving as an everyday catcher for a Triple-A club is probably a lot like the road paver on a construction crew. Despite working in swealtering heat, he’s not appreciated until long after the job is done.

Springfield News-Leader

Albert Pujols Gaining Strength Through Running Program

Though Albert Pujols made his spring debut on Tuesday, he did it in the designated hitter's slot while the Angels stood ready to use a designated runner for Pujols if he made it on base.

Anaheim Official Site

Erik Bedard Considered Damaged Goods In Trade Market

Why is this a big deal? Because of Bedard's injury history. Teams will be reluctant to give up very much if there's a perception that Bedard is damaged goods. Remember what happened with Jarrod Washburn and the Detroit Tigers two years ago. Washburn had some knee issues nobody even really knew about and was a disaster down the stretch after the Tigers traded Luke French and Mauricio Robles to the Mariners to get him.

Seattle Times

The Scott Boras Factor: Reality Or Hype?

Believe it or not, most of our writers didn't enter the world sporting an @baseballprospectus.com address; with a few exceptions, they started out somewhere else. In an effort to up your reading pleasure while tipping our caps to some of the most illuminating work being done elsewhere on the internet, we'll be yielding the stage once a week to the best and brightest baseball writers, researchers and thinkers from outside of the BP umbrella. If you'd like to nominate a guest contributor (including yourself), please drop us a line.

Baseball Prospectus

Mark Grudzielanek Calls It A Career

Mark Grudzielanek, then a second baseman for the Kansas City Royals, singled off Jarrod Washburn for his 2,000th career hit on July 12, 2008.

Fox Sports

Cardinals Need To Stick With A Number That Makes Sense When It Comes To Albert Pujols

“They should stick to a number that makes sense for them, and if it’s not good enough, then you walk away,’’ said a general manager in a larger market. “He may be the brand in St. Louis, but you have to do what’s best for your organization.

“Think of what you could do with that money. Will you ever find a Pujols? No. But you can find 50 percent of him and use the other 50 percent to enhance your team in other areas.

“What will happen is, they’ll get it done. The Cardinals aren’t a small-market team, so they’re in that area where they probably have to do it because not doing it would create chaos and possible loss of revenue. But once in a while, you do something bold and think outside the box.’’

Boston Globe

Highly Doubtful Marlins Make Run For Albert Pujols

Obviously, the Marlins are very tight with their wallets, but could you see them making a move for Albert Pujols if he becomes a free agent? It has been reported that his contract negotiations aren't going well with the Cardinals.
-- Ryan S., Miami

Marlins Official Site

Three Teams Interested In Jarrod Washburn

Tim Brown Twitter

Jarrod Washburn Considering MLB Comeback

Although he didn’t pitch this year, left-hander Jarrod Washburn never formally announced his retirement.

That was probably wise.

Washburn told FOXSports.com on Monday that he is considering a comeback.

Fox Sports

Jarrod Washburn Feeling Good

Washburn, looking trim and fit, said he left arm feels good, but he has been spending most of his time on his Wisconsin deer farm.

Mariners Official Site

Diamondbacks Not Interested In Braden Looper

Jerry Crasnick Twitter

Expanded Horizons: Overrating Fifth Starters

This week, position players join pitchers and catchers at spring training. For those who travel to Florida or Arizona to cover the teams, reporting on the same story lines can grow tiresome. For others, enjoying watching the same story lines pop up again and again is half the fun.

Baseball Prospectus

Scout Says Mike Lowell Could Be Fit For Cardinals

Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox - It’s all about finding a destination for him right now. If he shows his hip has improved and the minor thumb surgery is out of the way, who will be interested? One National League scout said, “The Twins, Angels, and Cardinals [if they feel David Freese isn’t ready] could have a fit for him. The Giants, with Brian Sabean in the Yankee organization years ago when they signed him, could always use someone who can hit. The Mets could use him at first base. I’ve got to believe there’s a place for someone with Lowell’s righthanded power if Boston picks up the majority of the contract.’’

Boston Globe

Braden Looper Out Of Indians Price Range

Hey, David: I know they had some interest in Washburn, but he had a knee problem last year and would probably cost more than Branyan. Looper won 14 games last year with Milwaukee. He's still not signed, but I'm guessing he's out of the Tribe's price range. They weren't high on Hernandez.

I've been told that unless they could acquire a pitcher who was clearly an upgrade over their current stock of starters, they didn't see the benefit of doing it. Their pursuit of Branyan is a way to try and improve the team in another way.

Cleveland Plain Dealer