The Royals aren't giving up on the 2017 season — or their free agents  —  It sort of goes without saying, considering the Royals' recent history, but the competitive DNA of this organization has become even more apparent since the tragic death of right-hander Yordano Ventura on Jan. 22.

Cubs' Kyle Schwarber officially cleared to catch  —  Cubs' Kyle Schwarber on his knee, catching and batting leadoff at spring training on Feb. 14, 2017.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Kyle Schwarber will get his wish, as the Chicago Cubs announced Wednesday morning …

The Tao of Wade Davis  —  I've got a long list of stuff I'd like to write about this season and this morning but I was trying to pick a subject when I read Rustin Dodd's piece about the Royals bullpen and how his former teammates are going to miss Wade Davis.

Trump will not fill out an NCAA tournament bracket  —  It appears that President Trump is passing on March Madness.  He will not continue his predecessor's annual tradition of filling out an NCAA tournament bracket on ESPN.  —  The network reached out to Trump's staff and invited the president …

Yankees owner envisions expanded role for A-Rod, noncommittal on future of manager Joe Girardi  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner can envision Alex Rodriguez's role with the team growing over time.  —  “Absolutely,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday afternoon …

Georges St-Pierre and UFC agree to terms, close to finalizing new contract  —  At long last, Georges St-Pierre appears headed back to the UFC.  —  St-Pierre, the former UFC welterweight champion, is on the verge of signing a new multi-fight contract with the promotion, multiple sources confirmed with MMA Fighting.

Mets' Neil Walker talks about accepting qualifying offer, desire for long-term deal  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Before he made the decision to have surgery last summer, Neil Walker got some assurances from the Mets.  Sandy Alderson did not guarantee the second baseman, who was facing free agency for the first time …

New England Patriots Super Bowl Hero's Life Story to Be Told in Biopic (Exclusive)  —  Malcolm Butler's journey — from running the fryolator at Popeyes to becoming the team's star cornerback — will be heading to the big screen in ‘The Secondary’ with the help of Daniel Levin …

Report: Jeffrey Loria being considered as U.S. Ambassador to France  —  Marlins owner's name being mentioned  —  MIAMI - Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is reportedly being considered as the U.S. ambassador to France.  —  According to the New York Post, President Donald Trump's Chief …

Yankees' Michael Pineda focused on finishing outs and innings  —  TAMPA, Fla. — CC Sabathia has experience in such matters.  —  And so when the veteran lefthander, having won a Cy Young award in 2007 with Cleveland, used that award and the eternally inconsistent Michael Pineda in the same sentence Tuesday, it raised a few eyebrows.

Chris Cooley speculates on-air about Scot McCloughan: ‘Is he drinking?’  —  Over the past few weeks, several Redskins reporters — including The Post's Mike Jones — observed that Redskins GM Scot McCloughan was not being allowed to speak with the media.  This seemed a bit odd, because there's no shortage of appropriate questions.