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Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred defended his punishment of the Houston Astros for their sign stealing in 2017 and said MLB will institute new rules to police the use of technology before the 2020 season.

Houston's apology fell flat and tempers are flaring as MLB's sign stealing scandal threatens to do even more damage.

Players across the game weigh in on responsibility, whistle-blowing and punishing cheating in baseball.

Minor League Baseball said on Saturday that it supports MLB's decision to raise player salaries but believes it can be done without reducing the number of teams.

Shohei Ohtani said he thinks he's already a "pretty good" driver and was able to pass the test in his first attempt.

Although Red Sox starter Chris Sale played catch to stretch out his arm on Saturday, interim manager Ron Roenicke made it clear the team won't rush Sale's return from a case of the flu and pneumonia, even if that means he misses Opening Day.

Players across the game weigh in on responsibility, whistle-blowing and punishing cheating in baseball.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said Saturday that he considers the Astros using technology to steal signs worse than players using steroids of betting on baseball. Jansen also didn't have much use for their apologies, either.

The Long Beach Little League and the East Fullerton Little League have both banned the use of "Astros" from their teams this year after the major league team was found to have illegally stolen signs en route to winning the 2017 World Series.

In a move to add experience to their bullpen, the A's got right-hander Burch Smith from the Giants for cash. It is the first trade between the neighboring teams since Dec. 4, 1990.

Though he conceded the Astros' sign stealing was wrong, Carlos Correa said the team's 2017 World Series title was "won fair and square."

Kris Bryant said he wouldn't mind any assurances that he won't be traded away from the Cubs before the season begins, but he knows that isn't the case and, in the meantime, will continue to try to avoid all speculation and rumors.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said MLB needs to step in to stop "premeditated" targeting of Astros hitters with pitches from opponents angry at their cheating "before somebody gets hurt."

After trading barbs with Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen about his exit from the team, new Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler wants the dispute to stop. "We're two grown-ups here, and we're battling like little kids," Wheeler said.

From teams dumping their best player to failing to address their biggest needs, we look at the winter's worst swings and misses.

Red Sox outfielder Kevin Pillar says not having approached Kobe Bryant about writing a children's book like he had hoped to do is "something that's going to haunt me."

Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer didn't hold back on his feelings about the Astros' sign-stealing scheme, calling them hypocrites and cheaters.

Justin Verlander requested "a little extra time before he threw again after a 60-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday before camp opened. Meanwhile, Zack Greinke isn't expected to arrive to spring training until Feb. 22.

Five-time All-Star Nolan Arenado says there is a 'disconnect' between him and Rockies management and that he wants to play on a winner "in Colorado or somewhere else."

Bartolo Colon, who turns 47 in May and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2018 with the Rangers, signed with the Monclova Acereros of the Mexican Baseball League.