DARK SECRETS: 32 - The Real Truth

Justin Verlander struggling to figure out timing in first ‘normal’ spring training since 2019

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Justin Verlander can’t remember whether he’s on time or not. It’s been so long since he’s experienced anything that could be considered typical or usual in spring training that he’s struggling to figure out the timing of his progression toward the season.

Tribune News Service · Feb 26, 2023

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol slams ump C.B. Bucknor for rejecting handshake: 'Zero class'

JUPITER, Fla. — Whatever chance his irritation with umpire C. B. Bucknor had of cooling over the winter ended before Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol returned to the dugout for the first game of spring training.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch · Feb 26, 2023

John Romano: As one generation awaits women’s pro hockey, they pass their lessons down to the next

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The business of women’s hockey has never worked as well as the faithful would have hoped. Professional leagues have popped up, tweaked their models, changed their names and sometimes disappeared before ever getting on the ice.

Tribune News Service · Feb 26, 2023

Braves fall victim to pitch clock as charged strike ends spring game vs. Red Sox

NORTH PORT, Fla. — On the final pitch of the Braves’ Grapefruit League opener versus the Red Sox, the Braves fell victim to the new pitch timer.

Tribune News Service · Feb 26, 2023

Florida Democrats elect Fried as party chair after dismal 2022 election

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former agriculture secretary Nikki Fried will be in charge of the state party as Florida Democrats attempt to pull themselves out of their worst political position in years.

Orlando Sentinel · Feb 25, 2023

Aaron Boone ‘grateful’ for Triple-A umpires preparing Yankees to play with new pitch clock

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is prepping his club for the inclusion of the pitch clock this upcoming season. With the Bronx Bombers slated to get their first in-game look at the pitch clock when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla., on Saturday, the club has had Triple-A…

Tribune News Service · Feb 25, 2023

Bucs coordinator candidates were told Kyle Trask will get shot to start

TAMPA, Fla. — Kyle Trask will get his shot to be the Bucs’ starting quarterback. He has waited without complaint or complacency for two seasons and has earned the opportunity.

Tribune News Service · Feb 25, 2023

‘Tis the season: A how-to guide to 2023 spring training baseball in South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — It’s the constant refrain of escapees from Elmira and East Rutherford: South Florida has no seasons. Not so. Saturday is opening day for Grapefruit League spring-training baseball for five Major League teams in three South Florida ballparks — for fans, it’s Christmas every day.

Tribune News Service · Feb 25, 2023

John Romano: Tampa may be MLB’s choice for the Rays, but the Tropicana Field site is where the money is

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Inside a tavern area at Tropicana Field, there is laughter and conversation. A Suncoast Tiger Bay meeting with Rays president Brian Auld has just wrapped up early Thursday evening, and members are now mingling with politicians and team executives.

Tribune News Service · Feb 24, 2023

22 migrants land at Dry Tortugas National Park as Florida officials ask federal government to act

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A group of Cuban migrants landed at the Dry Tortugas National Park Thursday, on the same morning Gov. Ron DeSantis blamed the federal government for the border crisis and announced legislation cracking down on illegal immigration.

Tribune News Service · Feb 24, 2023