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Tribe News
With Spring Training just around the corner, there are still some stop gap third base options available. Pluto mentions David Freese, who is still a free agent. Freese had a pretty good season with the Angels last year, but because of his age (32) and below-average defese, nobody has been willing to give him a multi-year deal. And no, Freese didn't reject a Qualifying Offer, so whoever signs him won't give up a draft pick.
Also mentioned: Tyler Naquin, who could very well beat out Abraham Almonte for the starting job in center field, at least until Michael Brantley returns to action. 2016 is an important year for Naquin because by 2017 Bradley Zimmer could be in the majors.
What will Michael Brantley-less outfield look like for Cleveland Indians? | cleveland.com
Speaking of Brantley, Hoynes looks at the outfield situation as it stands now. Not a pretty sight, at least on offense. This would be a great time for Lonnie Chisenhall to have a breakout season at the plate.
Indians General Manager Mike Chernoff continues to carve out role in baseball world - Indians - Ohio
A profile of the new General Manager.
MLB News
Australia defeats S. Africa to earn WBC berth | MLB.com
Australia clinched a berth in next year's World Baseball Classic, beating out New Zealand, the Phillipines, and South Africa in the first of four qualifying tournaments.
Cricket Star Kieran Powell Tosses His Bat and Picks Up a Smaller, Rounder One - The New York Times
No professional cricket player has appeared in the majors, but the 25-year-old is attempting to do just that. Although both sports use wooden bats to hit a ball, the swing motion is entirely different, with the cricket swing using a vertical plane as opposed to the baseball bat's horizontal swing. He has tried out for two organizations this winter.