Marcus Stroman's choice puts United States' WBC hopes in his hands  —  LOS ANGELES - The pitcher starting for the United States in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic originally intended to play for Team USA's opponent, Puerto Rico.  —  In Sept. 2013, Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman tweeted,

Trade talk: White Sox patiently dangling Jose Quintana  —  Around this time of year, the best scouts start taking little mental notes about the counterparts they see in their travels from camp to spring camp.  The back fields, where minor league players ply their trade in front of friends …

Mets' Matt Harvey delivers encouraging outing … LAKELAND, Fla. — For the conundrum of what to do with a diminished Matt Harvey, the Mets still hold what once seemed to be an unthinkable option.  —  In theory, they could decide that the former ace is not among the top five pitchers in the rotation.

Jays finalizing extension with manager John Gibbons  —  The Toronto Blue Jays and manager John Gibbons are finalizing a multi-year extension and expect to have a deal in place by opening day, sources tell FanRag Sports.  This comes just a week after a March 15 report from Rob Longley …

David Ross, Chicago Cubs' World Series Victory to Get Movie Treatment (Exclusive)  —  Radar Pictures is developing a film based on the catcher's memoir, ‘Teammate: My Journey in Baseball and a World Series for the Ages.’  —  The Chicago Cubs' dramatic 2016 World Series victory is headed for a replay on the big screen.

Andre Ethier Doubtful For Opening Day Due To Herniated Disk  —  Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier has been diagnosed with a “mild” herniated disk in his lower back, and manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including MLB.com's Ken Gurnick) that “it's going to be tough” for Ethier to be ready for the start of the season.

Despite Braves' spring results, manager says team is ready  —  WEST PALM BEACH - When Chaz Roe gave up two runs in the seventh inning of a previously tied game against the Nationals on Tuesday, the Braves were on their way to an eight consecutive Grapefruit League loss.

Rangers Agree To New Contract With Robinson Chirinos  —  2:25pm: Chirinos will earn $2.25MM next year and the option is valued at $2.375MM ($100K buyout), Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets.  There are also escalators based upon how many times he comes to bat in the upcoming campaign.

Devin Mesoraco progressing, but could miss Opening Day  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Devin Mesoraco called Opening Day “arbitrary” among a 162-game season, so if the veteran catcher isn't ready by that day, he isn't ready, he said on Monday.  —  Mesoraco played four innings and was 1 for 2 …

Will Smith To Receive Second Opinion After MRI Shows Ligament Concern  —  Giants reliever Will Smith did not get the news he hoped for after undergoing an MRI last night.  GM Bobby Evans told reporters that the scan showed possible ligament damage that will require a second opinion …

Chargers' Keenan Allen expects to be ready for the start of training camp in July  —  Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen celebrates after scoring against the Rams in the second half on Nov. 23, 2014, in San Diego.  (Denis Poroy / Associated Press)  —  There's a better than average chance …