MLB INVESTIGATING CLAIMS TYING MARLINS PITCHER JARRED COSART TO GAMBLING  —  UPDATE: Cosart has apparently now responded to the claims; an account claiming to be his new official Twitter says his original account was hacked and DMs were sent to incriminate him in a gambling conspiracy.

MLB Worth $36 Billion As Team Values Hit Record $1.2 Billion Average  —  If Major League Baseball traded on a stock exchange it would be worth $36 billion.  The average baseball team is now worth $1.2 billion, 48% more than a year ago, the biggest year-over-year increase since we began tracking team values in 1998.

Alex Rodriguez continues to earn Joe Girardi's confidence as Yankees' DH  —  TAMPA — Alex Rodriguez came to camp needing to prove himself to earn  —  at-bats.  He hasn't done enough for Joe Girardi to name him as the everyday designated hitter, but A-Rod has shown his manager something with his first few weeks of at-bats.

Boldest giveaway ever?  Astros Triple-A team makes 2017 World Series rings  —  After three straight 100-loss seasons, the Houston Astros' well-documented rebuilding project reached the point in 2014 where fans were finally starting to get excited about the future.

Criticism of O's offseason is unjust  —  A closer look at their decisions reveals the rhyme to their reason  —  The return of Manny Machado and addition of Travis Snider is a lot more significant than many realize.  —  So, could you feel the evident disappointment of Baltimore Orioles fans this winter?

Cubs RHP Edwin Jackson Goes to Wrong Spring Training Park  —  MESA, Ariz. — Edwin Jackson might have had a better day if he never found his way to work.  —  The Cubs right-hander was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday when he went to the wrong ballpark, then gave up eight runs …

Dodgers pioneer injury prevention program  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers will be the first American sports team partnering with an Irish company to develop a computer-based sports injury prevention program that will begin at the minor league level.  —  Kitman Labs, a sports technology company …

Royals Place Rule 5 Pick Jandel Gustave On Waivers  —  Royals Rule 5 selection Jandel Gustave has been placed on waivers by the team, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports on Twitter.  The then-Astros farmhand was chosen sixth overall in this year's draft by the Red Sox, who dealt his rights to Kansas City.

Lester may be on pitch count in Cubs' opener  —  MESA, Ariz. - Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester could be “restricted” on Opening Day as he continues to build his pitch count up after missing a recent spring start due to arm fatigue.  Lester didn't pitch Saturday against the Seattle Mariners …

Pujols Homers, Trout Triples but Rangers Beat Angels 15-8  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Albert Pujols homered and Mike Trout hit an RBI triple, but the Texas Rangers tagged Los Angeles Angels closer Huston Street for six runs Tuesday in a 15-8 victory.  —  Trout, last year's AL MVP …

Howard, Ruf Homer for Phillies in 6-3 Win Over Braves  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Ryan Howard hit his third home run of the spring and Darin Ruff also connected, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3 on Tuesday.  —  Howard, who arrived at spring training in excellent shape …

Hunter's 1st Homer Helps Twins Beat Blue Jays 6-5  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Torii Hunter hit a tiebreaking, three-run homer off Chad Jenkins in the seventh inning, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 Tuesday.  —  It was the first homer this spring for the 39-year-old Hunter …