On this date in 1995, the 28 owners unanimously approved the addition of two new franchises: the Diamondbacks and Devil Rays. The clubs were assigned leagues in 1997 and started play in 1998. Here are the box scores for the first game in D'Backs and D'Rays history. With the regular season just a month away, let's round up the latest from around the web…
- Rum Bunter interviewed Pirates GM Neal Huntington about the A.J. Burnett trade.
- The Todd Van Poppel Rookie Card Retirement Plan interviewed Jonny Gomes, Collin Cowgill, and Josh Donaldson of the Athletics.
- Athletics Farm interviewed Athletics director of player personnel Billy Owens.
- Raise The Jolly Roger is thrilled about the Andrew McCutchen extension.
- Pirates Prospects wrote about the long-term impact of McCutchen's deal.
- Buried Treasure explored McCutchen's trade value.
- Redbird Rants celebrated Yadier Molina's contract extension.
- STL Cardinal Baseball presented an alternate reality for the Cardinals.
- The Brewers Bar looked at the Brewers history of extensions (part one, part two).
- Disciples of Uecker notes that the Brewers depth will get a chance to shine early in the season.
- Call to the Pen wrote about Yu Darvish's impressive Spring Training debut.
- Phillies Nation says the Phillies can afford both Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino, but not a third baseman.
- Twins Fan From Afar looked into how "true aces" are acquired.
- BoSox Injection believes it would make sense for the Red Sox to bat Kevin Youkilis leadoff.
- Puckett's Pond thinks the Twins bullpen has a chance to be just fine.
- Dr. Stangeglove thinks moving Neil Walker to third base is a bad idea.
- South Side Sox says the White Sox don't have much wiggle room for their bench.
- The EntreprenOriole wrote about the best defensive catcher in baseball.
- Levi's Landing analyzed the Giants baserunning.
- NASORB published a list of the Mariners' top 25 prospects.
- Baseball GMs wrote about players deserving of qualifying offers (part one, part two).
- Hume's Jays Bullpen proposed a realignment plan.
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