Good morning. Pitchers and Catchers who intend to play in the World Baseball Classic report to Spring Training one week from today.
- The Dodgers announced that they will retire the number 34 in honor of left-handed pitcher Fernando Valenzuela as part of a three-day celebration from August 11 to 13. No Dodger player has worn the number since Valenzuela.
- Bill Plaschke says “It’s about damn time.” He also explains why the Dodgers reversed their unofficial policy of only retiring the numbers of Hall of Famers.
- Fabian Ardaya writes the honor was “overdue” (The Athletic sub.