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In Kevin Cash's first season as manager, the Tampa Bay Rays had a pretty clear philosophy on how to handle their starting rotation. There will always be questions when a team does something unorthodox, but Tampa Bay's approach underscored the dilemma managers always seem to face in the middle innings. Continue to Article

April 08, 2016 3:06:am EST

The last time the Kansas City Royals faced the Minnesota Twins, they locked up home-field advantage throughout the 2015 postseason. This week they collected their rings as World Series champions. The Royals meet the Twins for the first time as reigning champions when the AL Central rivals start a three-game series on Friday night in Kansas City. Continue to Article

April 08, 2016 1:39:am EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- - The last recollection the New York Mets have from Citi Field is losing the World Series after squandering a late lead in Game 5. Eager to celebrate a scintillating 2015 season with their rejuvenated fans, Curtis Granderson, David Wright and the rest of the Mets face Philadelphia in their home opener Friday afternoon. Former pennant-winning stars Rusty Staub, John Franco and Edgardo Alfonzo will be on hand to hoist the National League championship banner during a pregame ceremony. Continue to Article

April 07, 2016 5:27:pm EST

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Mayor Bill De Blasio has signed a bill that bans the use of smokeless tobacco products at all ticketed baseball stadiums, sports arenas and recreation areas. Continue to Article

April 06, 2016 9:07:pm EST

Bill Maher is a lot of things. He's a comedian, a writer, a producer, a political commentator and a television host. Some would even say he's controversial, which is par for the course for many of his job's descriptions. One thing he isn't though is a fan of Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper. That much was made clear during a radio appearance on WOR 710 in New York on Wednesday.  [ Sign up for Fantasy Baseball | Play for $40K | Expert rankings | Mock draft ] While speaking to host Pete McCarthy, Maher specifically noted that he didn't appreciate the "make baseball fun again" hat that Harper sported following the season opener. Bryce Harper wearing a "Make Baseball Fun Again" hat. Love it, so much. pic.twitter.com/zESqRjO0qN — Mr. Schäfer (@misterschafer) April 5, 2016 Maher saw that as a clear play off of Donald Trump's campaign slogan, which further cemented a personal dislike that has been festering for years.  There are a couple words that I really can't say on public radio that I think apply to him. But next to those words in the dictionary I see a picture of Bryce Harper. I really do. I just don't like that guy at all -- so it's not surprising to me that he's flirting with Donald Trump's candidacy. When asked to elaborate about his dislike for Harper, Maher went right for the easiest target possible: Bryce Harper's hair.  I think it's a lot about the hair gel. He just looks like a certain product that Massengill makes. After some prodding from McCarthy, Maher spelled it all out. He's a d-bag. He looks like a d-bag. Maher, who's a longtime New York Mets fan and a current minority owner of the team, didn't mince any words. Bryce Harper clearly rubs him the wrong way, though he was also quick to admit that if push came to shove, he would welcome Harper to his beloved team.  Well, of course if he was a Met I'd love him. I could learn to love Bryce Harper. In a few more years I think Bryce Harper will mature. He's young — look, when you're that young, you're gonna be a d***. There are villains. There's just something about him that is very arrogant. Of course, that's important when you're facing a 100 mph fastball, you have to have that. But some guys -- the confidence, which is the element we're seeking, tips over into an unattractive quality. Harper has always been a polarizing figure throughout his career. That reached another level recently when Harper called baseball a tired game and begged his peers to bring more personality and fun to the game. Some in and out of the game have applauded Harper's attitude, while others have tried to downplay him as a face of baseball. It's a debate that seems to be reaching far beyond baseball now too. And it's one that will surely keep Harper foremost in our minds every time there's an outburst of emotion that creates a stir.  More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports: - - - - - - - Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813 Continue to Article

April 06, 2016 8:42:pm EST