Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw have ‘open dialogue’ with his opt-out looming  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has said he isn't thinking about the clause in his contract which allows him to opt out and become a free agent next fall.  —  It would be unwise for the Dodgers' front office to take such an approach.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Spring Training 2018 … For all intents and purposes, Steven Souza Jr. will be taking the place of J.D. Martinez in right field, but, unsurprisingly, the Diamondbacks' new slugger isn't really looking at it that way.  —  “Sure, if I can hit 29 homers in a half, that would be great,” Souza said.

Outfielder Maybin signs 1-year contract with Marlins  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Outfielder Cameron Maybin has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins, rejoining the team where he played in 2008-10.  —  Maybin gives the young, rebuilding Marlins much-needed experience …

Yu Darvish makes quick favorable impression on new Cubs teammates  —  Chicago Tribune  —  After watching one of Yu Darvish's pitches during a batting-practice session Tuesday, Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber merely said, “Oh, God.”  —  “Insane,” Willson Contreras added after catching Darvish's …

Column: White Sox look ahead of schedule, but Rick Hahn still wisely sees need for patience  —  Chicago Tribune  —  To the untrained eye, White Sox prospects Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert provided several did-you-see-that moments during batting practice Tuesday at Camelback Ranch, confirming their prodigious power and enormous talent.

Kris Bryant says big changes needed in CBA - and he's ready to fight for them  —  MESA, Ariz. - Kris Bryant is four seasons from a free agent payday, years removed from the action - or inaction - that occurred this winter, when the market was depressed for superstars and role players alike.

Anthony Rizzo on MLB teams donning Stoneman Douglas caps: 'It's awesome'  —  MESA, Ariz. - Anthony Rizzo took an unscheduled round trip from Chicago Cubs camp to his high school alma mater in Florida, where he delivered an emotional address to grieving students and community members.

When will Tim Tebow play in the majors?  —  Is Tim Tebow a major leaguer?  According to New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the former NFL quarterback is all but bound for the bigs.  —  “Somebody asked me whether I think he'll be a major league player at some point,” Alderson said Sunday.

Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley suspended 50 games for violating drug policy  —  Houston Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, has been suspended 50 games for violating the league's drug prevention and treatment program …

Cardinals coach Maddux puts the up in upside  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • On his first day back with the first team, former closer Jason Motte got a quick look at a new level the Cardinals want to take their pitchers.  Mike Maddux, in his first weeks with his fourth team as pitching coach …

Agent Scott Boras stays course, calling free agent system ‘upside-down’  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - The San Diego Padres took the unusual step of announcing the terms of Eric Hosmer's new eight-year, $144 million contract, which includes an opt-out clause after the fifth season, and pointed out it's the largest agreement in franchise history.

Cesar Hernandez's arrival as elite second baseman for Phillies might not prevent his departure  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Cesar Hernandez conceded that things are a little bit different at this Phillies spring training.  For him, it has nothing to do with Jason Kelce's Monday morning speech …

Brewers owner Attanasio has eye on ending playoff drought  —  PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio says his team has the roster to end the franchise's seven-year postseason drought without having to make another move.  —  The Brewers exceeded expectations last year after finishing …

‘Lucky to be alive,’ Tyler Danish thrilled to start for White Sox in Cactus League opener  —  Chicago Tribune  —  In the grand scheme, it doesn't much matter who will start the White Sox's Cactus League opener against the Dodgers on Friday at Camelback Ranch.  —  To Tyler Danish, however, it means quite a bit.

Baseball Hall of Famer, Giants legend Orlando Cepeda in critical condition  —  Baseball Hall of Famer and San Francisco Giants legend Orlando Cepeda is in critical condition in a Bay Area hospital, the club said in a statement on Wednesday.  —  He was hospitalized late Monday due to what the club described as a “cardiac incident.”