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MLB News and Headlines - 3/17/16

MLB News and Headlines - 3/17/16

Pete Rose's Attorney Doesn't Know How Trump Got Signed Ball

Pete Rose's Attorney Doesn't Know How Trump Got Signed Ball

3/16/16 MLB.com: FastCast

3/16/16 MLB.com: FastCast

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MLB • 1 year ago

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 San Diego Padres Storylines To Watch

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Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 San Diego Padres Storylines To Watch

San Diego Padres — The San Diego Padres revamped their roster this offseason, which should make for an incredibly intriguing spring training. This franchise upgrade means a lot of new faces and a lot of guys in new roles this year, so it won't be easy to run out of things to be excited about during Cactus League ball this season. Here are five of the most interesting stories to follow through San Diego's 2015 spring training.

The San Diego Padres revamped their roster this offseason, which should make for an incredibly intriguing spring training. This franchise upgrade means a lot of new faces and a lot of guys in new roles this year, so it won't be easy to run out of things to be excited about during Cactus League ball this season. Here are five of the most interesting stories to follow through San Diego's 2015 spring training.

5. Can Will Middlebrooks Earn a Starting Job?

Will Middlebrooks

5. Can Will Middlebrooks Earn a Starting Job?

Will Middlebrooks — The Padres hope Will Middlebrooks is due for a bounce-back season, and if he is, he could replace Yangervis Solarte at third. Middlebrooks struggled with health and his offensive game last season, but San Diego thinks he has a high ceiling and only needs time to get better. Speaking of getting better...

The Padres hope Will Middlebrooks is due for a bounce-back season, and if he is, he could replace Yangervis Solarte at third. Middlebrooks struggled with health and his offensive game last season, but San Diego thinks he has a high ceiling and only needs time to get better. Speaking of getting better...

4. Development of Wil Myers

Wil Myers

4. Development of Wil Myers

Wil Myers — After being traded to Tampa Bay by the Kansas City Royals in a deal that brought James Shields and Wade Davis to KC, Myers and Shields are now together again in San Diego. Myers essentially played two half-seasons in his MLB career so far, and the last one was underwhelming. Myers posted a .614 OPS in 87 games with the Rays last year. If he can develop into what experts expect him to be, and stay healthy, Myers could be a huge name in San Diego.

After being traded to Tampa Bay by the Kansas City Royals in a deal that brought James Shields and Wade Davis to KC, Myers and Shields are now together again in San Diego. Myers essentially played two half-seasons in his MLB career so far, and the last one was underwhelming. Myers posted a .614 OPS in 87 games with the Rays last year. If he can develop into what experts expect him to be, and stay healthy, Myers could be a huge name in San Diego.

3. Will Brandon Morrow Secure the No. 5 Starter's Job?

Brandon Morrow

3. Will Brandon Morrow Secure the No. 5 Starter's Job?

Brandon Morrow — Which role Brandon Morrow fills this year for San Diego means a lot for their chance at success. If he can bounce back and take the final starter spot over lefty Robbie Erlin and still-young Odrisamer Despaigne, the Padres will seem to be in good shape. He could also fit in as a closer in the future, if things don't go as planned.

Which role Brandon Morrow fills this year for San Diego means a lot for their chance at success. If he can bounce back and take the final starter spot over lefty Robbie Erlin and still-young Odrisamer Despaigne, the Padres will seem to be in good shape. He could also fit in as a closer in the future, if things don't go as planned.

2. New Outfield Power

Justin Upton

2. New Outfield Power

Justin Upton — Justin Upton went deep last season as many times as the entire Padres outfield, but this year, that outfield should give San Diego some serious pop. Kemp also homered 25 times last season, and a growing Wil Myers has a lot of power potential when healthy. The Dads can turn a lot of heads this spring just by showing off their capability to consistently hit with pop, if all goes according to plan.

Justin Upton went deep last season as many times as the entire Padres outfield, but this year, that outfield should give San Diego some serious pop. Kemp also homered 25 times last season, and a growing Wil Myers has a lot of power potential when healthy. The Dads can turn a lot of heads this spring just by showing off their capability to consistently hit with pop, if all goes according to plan.

1. Matt Kemp Needs To Fit In With New Team

Matt Kemp

1. Matt Kemp Needs To Fit In With New Team

Matt Kemp — Matt Kemp showed up early to spring training, and he continually tells local press how happy he is in SoCal. If he stays healthy and puts up his usual All Star-worthy numbers, he should be an invaluable leader to a roster that includes an interesting mix of youth and experience. Kemp could be the glue that keeps it all together for a playoff run in 2015 -- at least that's what fans in San Diego will be hoping to see.

Matt Kemp showed up early to spring training, and he continually tells local press how happy he is in SoCal. If he stays healthy and puts up his usual All Star-worthy numbers, he should be an invaluable leader to a roster that includes an interesting mix of youth and experience. Kemp could be the glue that keeps it all together for a playoff run in 2015 -- at least that's what fans in San Diego will be hoping to see.

Doug LaCerte is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DLaC67, “like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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Doug LaCerte is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.

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MLB• 2 weeks ago

Wil Myers Is Padres' Key To Success In 2016

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MLB• Videos• 2 weeks ago

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MLB• 3 weeks ago

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MLB• 1 month ago

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MLB• 2 months ago

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MLB• 2 months ago

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MLB• 2 months ago

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MLB• 3 months ago

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MLB• 5 months ago

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