Leaner Lynn turns heads at Cards camp  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Cardinals righthander Lance Lynn, who was challenged and helped by the club to improve his fitness level during the offseason, arrived at the team's complex Friday …

Mariners reiterate no extension imminent for Felix  —  Club insists reports of long-term deal with ace are not founded  —  SEATTLE — Despite the flood of national reports on Thursday saying Felix Hernandez and the Mariners had agreed to a seven-year, $175 million contract …

Mark Prior in the present tense  —  Former big league ace has found virtue in quest to return to the Majors  —  The sun is hot on top of a hill in San Diego and the house is white, so white that it looks perfect.  A late-model 1990s sedan stops in the middle of the quiet street …

Wheeler & Harvey providing the early heat  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler followed Matt Harvey yesterday in a short bullpen session, perhaps a sign of things to come for the Mets' Future Aces.  —  Manager Terry Collins set it up so Wheeler lockers next to Harvey to soak up advice on the path to the majors.

Yanks discuss contract extension with Cano  —  NEW YORK — Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said on Friday that the Yankees have spoken with second baseman Robinson Cano about a contract extension.  —  “There's been a conversation or two,” Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa …

Friday morning Orioles observations: Saunders, Jurrjens, arbitration … Now that former Orioles left-hander Joe Saunders has reportedly agreed to terms with the Mariners on a one-year deal, we know who is not going to be in Sarasota when spring training opens next week.

Cards sign Freese to one-year deal  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The Cardinals and 2011 World Series MVP David Freese have agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, an official confirmed.

THE HGH COMMENT: CURT SCHILLING EXPLAINS INCIDENT, WHY HE'S TALKING ABOUT IT  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — When Major League Baseball called Curt Schilling on Thursday night, he admitted to offering misleading statements ... 4 1/2 years ago.  —  But as for this week's claim that a member …

Boras to open Miami gym for clients  —  How fed up is Scott Boras, one of baseball's most powerful agents, with the accessibility of performance-enhancing drugs in South Florida?  —  So fed up that Boras intends to open a private multi-million dollar sports fitness center for his clients who train in South Florida by next year.

Diamondbacks To Extend Aaron Hill  —  The Diamondbacks officially announced that they've extended second baseman Aaron Hill through 2016.  The deal is valued at $35MM, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, who first reported the agreement (on Twitter).  The Legacy Agency represents Hill.

A's don't mind leaving underdog role behind  —  Surprise AL West champions looking to carry momentum into 2013  —  OAKLAND — Hefty expectations will naturally surround the American League West defending champion Athletics this spring.  —  “It's better than having no expectations,” …

Shoppach, Mariners finalize $1.5M, 1-year deal  —  SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract with catcher Kelly Shoppach, providing a needed backup to expected starter Jesus Montero.  —  Seattle announced the deal Thursday.