Ballbug: Trading Matt Szczur could give Cubs more flexibility on opening day roster (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:

Sources: Rougned Odor expected to sign multi-year extension with Rangers — SURPRISE, Ariz. - It has become a big week for Rangers who were teammates on the Venezuelan team in the World Baseball Classic. — Albeit, it's about to be much bigger for Rougned Odor than Robinson Chirinos.

Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors, FanRag Sports and MLB Daily Dish

Rangers Close To Extension With Rougned Odor — The Rangers are “increasingly optimistic” of finalizing a contract extension with second baseman Rougned Odor before Spring Training is over, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports. The deal “may only be lacking formalities” at this point.

Discussion: Bleacher Nation and Sportsnet.ca

Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:

Trading Matt Szczur could give Cubs more flexibility on opening day roster — Photos of Joe Maddon, the 2015 NL Manager of the Year. — Chicago Tribune — Manager Joe Maddon stresses emphatically that Cubs backup outfielder Matt Szczur is a bona fide major-league player.

Discussion: Cubs Insider and Bleacher Nation

Jeff Passan / Yahoo Sports:

Sources: Indians finalizing four-year extension with Jose Ramirez — Versatile infielder Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Indians are finalizing a four-year contract extension that will guarantee him upward of $30 million, sources familiar with the deal told Yahoo Sports.

Discussion: MLB Trade Rumors, Plain Dealer, NBCSports.com, Let's Go Tribe, Beyond the Box Score, MLB Daily Dish and FanRag Sports

Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

Rangers' Darvish trending toward Opening Day start — SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Yu Darvish allowed only one earned run on four hits in six innings Friday afternoon in a Triple A game and appears to be headed to his first Opening Day assignment with the Texas Rangers.

Discussion: WFAA-TV and Lone Star Ball

ESPN:

Yadier Molina demands apology for Adam Jones' comments about WBC party plans — Team captain Yadier Molina wants United States outfielder Adam Jones to apologize to Puerto Rico's players for saying they were planning a postgame party in San Juan before the World Baseball Classic championship game was even played.

Discussion: USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Bless You Boys, Royals Review, Halos Heaven, WDIV-TV and Fish Stripes

Discussion: Baseball Prospectus and baseballmusings.com

ESPN:

Giants' Will Smith to have Tommy John surgery, to miss season — San Francisco Giants reliever Will Smith said Friday he will have Tommy John surgery next week, meaning he will miss the 2017 season. — The left-hander, who was projected to pitch the eighth inning for the Giants this season …

Discussion: Lone Star Ball

Jim Salisbury / CSN Philly:

Phillies trim roster, send Tyler Goeddel, Jake Thompson to minors — CLEARWATER, Fla. — With a week to go before they leave Florida, the Phillies made several roster moves on Friday morning. — Outfielder Tyler Goeddel, who spent all of last season in the majors, was optioned to the minor leagues.

Discussion: The Good Phight and Phillies Nation

Dennis Lin / sandiegouniontribune.com:

Christian Friedrich diagnosed with lat strain, will open season on DL — San Diego Padres starting pitcher Christian Friedrich throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a spring baseball game in Scottsdale, Ariz., Thursday, March 2, 2017. (Chris Carlson / AP) (Chris Carlson / AP)

Discussion: FanRag Sports

Tampa Bay Times:

Stu Sternberg: Top choices for Rays new stadium are unavailable — PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg revealed some complications in his team's search for a new stadium on Thursday, yet said he's still confident they will find a new home in the Tampa Bay area.

Discussion: DRaysBay and Ballpark Digest

Roger Mooney / Tampa Bay Times:

Rays journal: Jake Bauers leaves with a bang as he heads to minor-league camp — INF/OF Jake Bauers left his calling card with a two-run double Thursday against the Yankees just hours after being told he was reassigned to minor-league camp. • Bauers, one of eight players reassigned …

Discussion: DRaysBay

Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:

Mets manager Terry Collins raves about Robert Gsellman after fourth start of spring — WEST PALM BEACH — It's a nice problem for Terry Collins to have, but it's still a problem. — With six days left in the Grapefruit League, the Mets have three pitchers to fill the final spot in their rotation.

Discussion: Amazin' Avenue