Braves Notes: Pagan, Cabrera, Offseason, Albies, Prospects  —  The Braves are still interested in free agent outfielder Angel Pagan, reports Jim Bowedn of ESPN and MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, citing a club source (Twitter link).  Atlanta has been tied to Pagan at various points this offseason.

Tiger not ‘tournament ready,’ will miss Masters  —  Woods does not have a timetable for return, but continues effort to recover  —  Tiger won his first of four green jackets in 1997.  (Getty Images)  —  TigerWoods.com  —  “Unfortunately, I won't be competing in this year's Masters.

Mariners lefty Drew Smyly out 6-8 weeks with elbow injury  —  Two days after Mariners left-handed starter Drew Smyly was scratched from his final spring training start with what manager Scott Servais called a “soggy” arm, the team announced Smyly would miss at least the first month-and-a-half of the season with an elbow strain.

Mark Teixeira opens up about taking Greg Bird under his wing and talks about the Yankees bright future  —  If anyone knows about the pressures of playing first base in the Bronx - or about missing huge chunks of time due to injuries - it is Mark Teixeira.  —  The now-retired Yankee …

Former Phillies shortstop, scout, coach Ruben Amaro Sr. dies at 81  —  Former Phillies shortstop, scout and first base coach Ruben Amaro Sr. died Friday at 81, just one week after the passing of former Phillies manager Dallas Green.  —  Amaro, the father of former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. …

Padres Claim Jake Esch, Designate Cesar Vargas  —  The Padres have claimed righty Jake Esch off waivers from the Marlins, per club announcements.  San Diego has designated fellow righty Cesar Vargas for assignment to accommodate the addition.  —  Esch, who just turned 27, reached the majors for the first time last year.

AL East preview 2017: Boston Red Sox should have enough to win again  —  Let's get this straight.  The Red Sox spend $217 million for a No. 1 starter by signing David Price a year ago, then turn around and empty the farm system, Dave Dombrowski-style, for another No. 1, Chris Sale, over the winter.

Cubs, on Top, Look to Stay There in a Season Not Unlike the Last One  —  Unable to win a World Series in 108 seasons, the Chicago Cubs found themselves in an odd place last spring: They were favorites to do just that.  And they met those expectations in grand style, leading the majors in victories on their way to glory.

Rangers' extension with Odor completed  —  The Texas Rangers' contract extension with second baseman Rougned Odor has been completed, and the deal will be announced Thursday afternoon.  —  A baseball source said that the deal is for six year and $49.5 million, as previously reported …

Joe Maddon hasn't gone ‘crazy’ about Hector Rondon  —  Cubs manager Joe Maddon on relief pitcher Hector Rondon's struggles.  (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)  —  Chicago Tribune  —  As pitching coach Chris Bosio was working on ways to fix Hector Rondon in the Minute Maid Park visitors' bullpen …

McAdoo checking out Texas Tech QB Mahomes  —  The Giants are debating louder internally than they have in a while about finding a quarterback to eventually succeed Eli Manning.  —  Another sign of that strong consideration revealed itself Friday when Giants coach Ben McAdoo attended the Texas Tech Pro Day …

The Best Player in Baseball Doesn't Want to Be a Superstar  —  Mike Trout is every bit as good as modern sports icons like LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Tom Brady, so why isn't he as famous?  He just wants to be liked.  —  big league clubhouse during pregame media availability can be a lonely place.