As Part Of MLB Pace Of Play, Manfred Willing To Look At Shorter TV Commercial Breaks  —  In a continuing effort to have more action and less dead time in Major League Baseball, those at the highest levels of the sport are willing to examine how television factors in.

White Sox Request Release Waivers On Brett Lawrie  —  In a surprising move, the White Sox announced on Friday that they've requested release waivers on infielder Brett Lawrie.  Assuming Lawrie clears waivers — a fair bet, given his $3.5MM salary for the 2017 season — he'll become a free agent upon clearing in 48 hours.

Source: Patriots exploring adding backup QB in case they trade Jimmy Garoppolo  —  INDIANAPOLIS — For a team that allegedly isn't going to trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the Patriots surely aren't acting like it.  —  The Patriots are exploring their options among backup quarterbacks …

Jeanie Buss thwarts attempt by brothers to take over the Lakers  —  Lakers President Jeanie Buss.  —  Jeanie Buss has thwarted an effort by her brothers, Jim and Johnny, to oust her as the Lakers president and controlling owner as the behind the scenes battle for control of the franchise moved into the courtroom.

Mets' Noah Syndergaard, who's loving his change-up, disses World Baseball Classic  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Noah Syndergaard has time to stir up a little intrigue at spring training, but no time for silly baseball tournaments.  The Mets right-hander said Friday that he has no regrets about turning …

Game report: Reds 6, Cubs 2  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Cincinnati Reds scored their first win of Cactus League play Thursday, beating the World Series champion Chicago Cubs 6-2 at Goodyear Ballpark.  —  The Reds had a 4-0 lead after sixth but risked losing it in the seventh.

Jeff Singer was working at a car dealership, then the Phillies called  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Jeff Singer's baseball dream never felt farther away than it did on the mornings when he was the first employee to arrive at the car dealership.  —  Singer, now an intriguing Phillies pitching prospect …

David Dahl's back issues more serious than Rockies originally thought  —  The 22-year-old hit .315 with seven home runs in 63 games last season.  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The back issues keeping David Dahl off the field and in the training room during spring training are more serious than the Rockies first thought.

Small adjustment Aaron Judge made that Yankees manager Joe Girardi says has ‘paid off’  —  DUNEDIN — In his first at-bat on Friday, Aaron Judge got down 1-2 in the count against Francisco Liriano.  —  But this time, the Yankees' strikeout-prone right fielder didn't strike out.

Can Blake Snell save the Rays draft class of 2011?  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — Blake Snell showed enough promise during an overall inconsistent rookie season for the Rays to feel good he can soon become the front-of-rotation starter they envisioned.  —  But can he win enough to salvage their entire 2011 draft class?

Wainwright gives prospect Sherriff a license to drive  —  St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Ryan Sherriff throws from the bullpen mound during St. Louis Cardinals spring training on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com

Fox Sports Sun to televise 150 Rays games; 7 won't be on TV  —  Fox Sports Sun announced plans Thursday to televise its usual 150 Rays games, and the return of pre- and post-game host Rich Hollenberg to complete its crew for the upcoming seaoson.  —  With three games set for national coverage on FS1 …

AL grades: Which team had the best offseason?  —  With baseball's offseason dealings all but complete, USA TODAY Sports examines the moves of all 30 teams.  The grades for the American League:  —  A+  —  Cleveland Indians: The defending AL champions signed this winter's biggest prized free agent — DH Edwin Encarnacion.