Martin St. Louis traded to New York Rangers from Tampa Bay Lightning - ESPN New York

This is going to take some getting used to, seeing Martin St. Louis in a uniform other than the Tampa Bay Lightning. This seems like an even trade, captain for captain, but just looking at the player for player trade, a net loss for the heart Lightning. St. Louis was the heart and soul of this club for years and years. His play recently shows he seemingly has not missed a step. His relentless hustle is a great influence throughout the organization. Top to bottom.



from ESPN New York:

Martin St. Louis traded to New York Rangers from Tampa Bay Lightning - ESPN New York:

The New York Rangers have acquired six-time All-Star Martin St. Louis from the Tampa Bay Lightning for captain Ryan Callahan and two draft picks. The Rangers sent a first-round pick in 2015 and a second-round pick in 2014 to Tampa Bay in the deal, which was completed in the final hours before Wednesday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. 

There are two picks-related conditions in the trade. If the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference finals this season, the 2014 pick headed to Tampa Bay would become a first-round selection. If Callahan, a pending unrestricted free agent, re-signs with the Lightning, New York would receive a second-round pick in 2015 and Tampa Bay would get an additional seventh-round pick in 2015.

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You don't do a heart transplant and replace a strong heart with a weaker heart. The patient suffers. The draft picks may seem like some sort of panacea, but the Lightning better hope that the patient survives once the replacement heart walks away in free-agency. Then where are you?



What a bad move for the Lightning and a turbo boost for the Rangers playoff hopes. Bad move by the Lightning. That's all I can say. Horribly bad.

Baseball: Kaneland grad Casey Crosby moving to bullpen for Detrot Tigers - Aurora Beacon News

This was also  body. confirmed in a recent Baseball America article. This could be a very positive development for Casey and turn out to be a role that will allow him to make a positive impact on the Tigers. You can pitch in the bigs for a long time with a live arm attached to the left side of your body.

from the Aurora Beacon news:
Baseball: Kaneland grad Casey Crosby moving to bullpen for Detrot Tigers - Aurora Beacon News:

When he comes in to spring training, our first look will be at him in the bullpen,” club president/general manager Dave Dombrowski was quoted in a mlb.com report.

“We can always switch him back if we think it’s best, but we think right now he’s in a spot where he’s developed some. A lot of our people think he’s cut out for a bullpen role, and so that’s how we’ll bring him in.”

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A Bit of 'Moonlight' Shines on Giants Prospect Derek Law

Derek Law - Arizona Fall League

This guys has a chance to be the 2014 version of Jake Dunning, a solid contributor who fits right in and gives you solid innings. If both Law and Heath Hembree pitch like they belong, the Giants will have s pretty deep and effective bullpen. 

from Bleacher Report:

A Bit of 'Moonlight' Shines on Giants Prospect Derek Law:

“

Never give the hitter too much credit, ever. They’ll get themselves out seven times out of 10, at least. That’s why I’m a strike thrower. Or try to be, at least.

”

Derek Law is a right-handed pitcher with a unique, back-turning delivery, a deceptive fastball and a sledgehammer of a curve that leaves batters mumbling and scouts scribbling. He hasn’t pitched above Single-A San Jose (where, ridiculously, he struck out 45 and walked one), but his stuff has him on the cusp of the majors. After he mowed down top prospects in the Arizona Fall League, Giants GM Brian Sabean said he wouldn’t rule out Law winning a place in the opening-day bullpen.

“He’ll get due consideration,” Sabean said. “His time could be soon.”

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Comments from Sabean from an earlier interview:



Derek Law: “Obviously was dominant and didn’t give up a run (in the AFL) and it really turned our heads because it by and large is a hitters’ league … I’m really interested to see what he does against Major League hitters in spring training. He’s got a breaking ball, being that hard overhand curveball that you don’t see. The action is almost like a splitter.”

Matt Cain continues Giants' run of strong starts, Giants win - McCovey Chronicles

Matt Cain regaining his form after a brutal 2013 is a must for the Giants. He seems to be throwing from a lower arm slot, but my eyes may be deceiving me there. That would be my only concern with Cainer.



Pablo Sandoval looking very Tony Gwynn-esque would simply be icing on the cake. Shhhhhh......don't say cake around Pablo. He needs to be closer to .300 BA than 300 lbs.



from McCovey Chronicles:

Matt Cain continues Giants' run of strong starts, Giants win - McCovey Chronicles:



"Pablo Sandoval got a couple hits, and danged if he didn't look good doing it. Here's a GIF that will thaw the winter away from your heart.
"







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