MLB plans to test new extra-innings rules in rookie ball, with Joe Torre's approval  —  Major League Baseball plans on testing a rule change in the lowest levels of the minor leagues this season that automatically would place a runner on second base at the start of extra innings …

Miami Marlins Claim To Have $1.6 Billion Handshake Agreement For Team  —  Two sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Miami Marlins president David Samson has said that there is a $1.6 billion “handshake agreement” for the MLB team.  Jeffrey Loria paid $158 million for the baseball team in 2002.

Cincinnati Reds Homer Bailey Has Elbow Surgery Again  —  When the Cincinnati Reds inked Homer Bailey to a six year extension, he was supposed to anchor their rotation for the foreseeable future.  Instead, he has not been able to remain healthy, and underwent another surgery on his elbow yesterday.

Why is veteran catcher Matt Wieters still on the free-agent market?  —  Every time I quote Scott Boras at length in a story about an unsigned Scott Boras client, I hear it from club officials, fans, even reporters.  —  So, here we are with catcher Matt Wieters, who is by far the best remaining player …

Park clears waivers and will remain with the Twins  —  Designated hitter Byung Ho Park has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Class AAA Rochester.  —  Park was designated for assignment last week as the Twins made room to add free agent righthander Matt Belisle.

Brian Wilson eyeing MLB return as a knuckleball pitcher  —  Brian Wilson intends to resume his pitching career as a knuckleballer.  —  Yes that Brian Wilson, now 34 years old, beardless and having just gone a month eating nothing but guacamole, which probably isn't quite as great as it sounds.

CBP Field Operations Seizes Nearly 4,000 Pounds of Marijuana Camouflaged Within a Shipment of Key Limes  —  PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility discovered 3,947 pounds of alleged marijuana within a commercial shipment of key limes.

Blue Jays Sign Jake Elmore To Minor League Deal  —  The Blue Jays announced that they've signed utility infielder Jake Elmore to a minor league contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training.  —  The 29-year-old Elmore logged 99 plate appearances with the Brewers in 2016, hitting .218/.371/.244.

Jets' newly hired QB coach has ties to Jay Cutler, but ...  New York Jets coach Todd Bowles filled the final opening on his staff, hiring Jeremy Bates to coach the quarterbacks, the team announced Wednesday.  —  Bates is an important addition because he will preside over the development of Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty.

Mets and Yankees shortstops Asdrubal Cabrera, Didi Gregorius seem very good to naked eye — but these metrics say otherwise  —  To the naked eye 2016 seemed to be a very good year for shortstops in New York, with the glove as well as the bat.  —  Asdrubal Cabrera was a sure-handed revelation for the Mets …

Cubs Acquire Alec Mills, Designate David Rollins  —  The Cubs have acquired right-hander Alec Mills from the Royals in exchange for minor league outfielder Donnie Dewees, the team announced via press release.  In order to clear a spot for Mills on the 40-man roster, left-hander David Rollins …

Want to own a share of the Dodgers?  This could be your chance  —  The Guggenheim Baseball Management group — Bobby Patton, from left, Stan Kasten, Magic Johnson, Mark Walter, Peter Guber and Todd Boehly — poses for photos at Dodger Stadium on May 2, 2012.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Indians intrigued by free agent 2B Chase Utley  —  The Cleveland Indians, who have already made some surprising moves this winter, are said to be intrigued by free agent second baseman Chase Utley, though there would appear to be some impediments to a deal.  —  Utley is a beloved veteran …