MLB Could Implement Rule Changes In 2018  —  6:12pm: Clark has responded to Manfred's comments (via FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal): … 4:01pm: Major League Baseball proposed some notable rule changes to the MLBPA earlier this month, but none of those will take effect in 2017, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Tuesday.

Nationals to sign Matt Wieters to one-year deal with 2018 option  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a deal with free agent catcher Matt Wieters on Tuesday, according to people with direct knowledge of the situation.  The deal is for one year with a 2018 option …

Central Notes: Thames, Turner, Tigers  —  After three years in Korea, Eric Thames is back in the big leagues with the Brewers on a three-year, $16MM deal the team hopes will make him a better deal than former first baseman Chris Carter, Tyler Kepner of the New York Times writes.

Sergio Romo finds himself at home in Dodgers blue  —  GLENDALE, Az.  — Sergio Romo remembers a game early in his career when 30 of his friends and relatives showed up in the Giants' family section wearing Dodgers gear.  —  Giants manager Bruce Bochy called Romo into his office the next day and admonished him, half-jokingly.

Orioles Acquire Richard Bleier, Designate Christian Walker  —  The Orioles have acquired lefty Richard Bleier from the Yankees, per a club announcement, with cash or a player to be named later heading back in return.  Baltimore designated first baseman/outfielder Christian Walker for assignment to create roster space.

Arizona Diamondbacks shift focus to defense behind plate … 2  —  CONNECT  —  TWEET  —  LINKEDIN  —  COMMENT  —  EMAIL  —  MORE  —  When the Diamondbacks' Jeff Mathis describes the role of a catcher, he constructs an image that's equal parts leader, strategist, psychologist and athlete.

Jets offer contract to N.J.'s K'Waun Williams, free agent cornerback, source says  —  K'Waun Williams (36) to the Jets?  (Saed Hindash |  NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)  —  The Jets have offered a contract to free agent cornerback K'Waun Williams, a league source told NJ Advance Media.

Quick Hits: Goold and Hummel on the Cards  —  A roundup of hot topics from our weekly chat, hosted by baseball writers Derrick Goold and Rick Hummel.

Neil Walker contract talks with Mets hit a snag, sources say  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite recent meetings between Mets general manager Sandy Alderson and representatives for second baseman Neil Walker — talks that stoked optimism for getting a deal done — sources said on Monday morning …

Jimmy Garoppolo & DeSean Jackson  —  Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo discusses potential trade rumors and if he'd rather stay in New England until Brady retires or go somewhere else to be the starter.  Plus, Redskins free agent WR DeSean Jackson on what he's looking for in a team and if he'd welcome a return to Philly.

Money for nothing: Baseball's worst contracts in 2017  —  One of my favorite annual features to put together is our list of the best and worst contracts in baseball.  —  You don't see the impact of money directly on the field, but there's no denying that it is an elemental aspect of how teams …

Next Slide  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Raisel Iglesias doesn't have his hair dyed blond.  Other than that simple fact, the similarities between he and Vladimir Gutierrez are striking.  —  Both, of course, came from Cuba and signed with the Reds.  Both were relievers in Cuba and were signed to start.

Attorney: Steelers' assistant coach Joey Porter to plead guilty to fracas citation  —  Steelers assistant coach Joey Porter plans to plead guilty to a disorderly conduct citation stemming from a dispute with a bar bouncer and a police officer last month.  —  Porter's defense attorney …

Orioles nearing deal with Dodgers to acquire left-hander Vidal Nuno  —  Peter Schmuck and Eduardo A. Encina report on the Orioles during ppring training.  (Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun video)  —  Orioles' pitcher Zach Britton talks about what he's working on during spring training.