The NBC Sports Chicago graphics crew flashed a pretty stunning one at the start of Sunday's broadcast:



The Phillies made incremental upgrades to their bullpen, which was historically bad last season. Their biggest offseason move was signing J.T. Realmuto to a long-term contract, providing Bryce Harper with another star and more protection in the lineup for the long-term.Minnesota Twins face coverings

Earlier in February, Dr. Allison Arwady, the director of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said that while the city is making “good progress,” sports teams were still likely “months away” from allowing fans to attend games.Los Angeles Dodgers face coverings

But as good as the bat has looked, Collins has been questioned about his defensive ability since he was drafted by the White Sox in 2016, and those questions accompanied him into this battle for the team's backup job.Kansas City Royals face coverings

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In the meantime, the Tigers entered a major rebuild, trading away many of their top players. Cabrera, who turns 38 in April, is still on the team, which says a lot about his declining production and huge contract.



Stepping into the batter's box Sunday for the Tigers' first spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies was a long time coming for Baddoo, an adrenaline rush for him. Because of elbow surgery and last year's shutdown of the minors, he has not played an official game since May 11, 2019.Cleveland Indians face coverings

"Really big pitch," Funkhouser said. "A little bit rusty out there. ... (My stuff) was pretty good at times today, but the first time out, I was a little excited. A little bit rushed. I've been feeling a lot better in my mound work and my drill work. It'll come along. I'm confident."