Sources: Cardinals, DeJong finalizing contract extension  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • In what's become something of a spring tradition — though this time with an early-bloom twist, the Cardinals have reached an agreement on a contract extension with one of their young players …

Cubs' Jon Lester has new approach in throwing to first: ‘Bounce pass’  —  Chicago Cubs left-hander Jon Lester told reporters Sunday that he is working on intentionally bouncing the ball to first base as a possible solution to his long-standing issues with throwing to bases.

Eric Hosmer says lots of ‘red flags’ during grim offseason: ‘Something is wrong with it’  —  SportsPulse: The Dodgers have won their division five years in a row.  Are they a lock to do it again?  USA TODAY Sports  —  CONNECT  —  Eric Hosmer's eight-year, $144 million deal …

Matt Harvey refuses to dwell on the past as he prepares for 2018 season  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Matt Harvey is trying to stay in the here and now.  The Mets righthander doesn't want to talk about his 2013 All-Star season, just like he isn't interested in discussing his battle last season rehabbing …

Lifelong White Sox fan Rob Scahill making a case for spot in team's bullpen  —  Chicago Tribune  —  On the night of Oct. 26, 2005, Rob Scahill bolted through the door of his Bradley University dorm room and ran up and down the hall hooting and hollering.  —  The freshman on the baseball team …

Detroit Tigers experiment using starter Daniel Norris in relief vs. Mets  —  Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch spoke to reporters on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Lakeland, Fla. Video by George Sipple/DFP  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Daniel Norris walked to the bullpen mound in the fourth inning and tapped his left hand with a rosin bag.

Despite rough start for Giancarlo Stanton in left field, Yankees continuing to stress defensive versatility  —  TAMPA — The Giancarlo Stanton in left experiment for the Yankees comes at a time in the sport when more of a premium is being placed on defensive versatility.

Ben Gamel Out Four To Six Weeks With Oblique Strain  —  Mariners outfielder Ben Gamel has been diagnosed with a strained right oblique muscle and is expected to be sidelined anywhere from four to six weeks, the team told reporters on Monday (Twitter link via MLB.com's Greg Johns).

Cards' Weaver, Gomber set for three innings apiece  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Righthander Luke Weaver and lefthander Austin Gomber both will make their second appearances of the spring Monday for the Cardinals when each is slotted for three innings against the Washington Nationals in exhibition baseball here.

Red Sox P David Price makes spring debut against minor leaguers  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Price and the rest of the Boston Red Sox staff are learning a whole new pitch this spring.  —  Price faced Red Sox minor leaguers on a back field Monday in his first camp outing, throwing three innings under controlled circumstances.

Blue Jays prospect Leblebijian turning heads at spring training  —  DUNEDIN — Following Toronto's 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon at sun-splashed Spectrum Field, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was asked about the play of infielder Jason Leblebijian in the Grapefruit League this winter.

Created with Sketch.  —  INDIANAPOLIS — UCLA quarterback/lightning-rod Josh Rosen, unplugged, in a few moments.  Then the story of the weekend, Shaquem Griffin.  But first, news niblets from the lobbies and convention hall and bars:  —  • Barkleymania.

After no contract talks with Twins, Brian Dozier says ‘I will be a free agent this fall’  —  Brian Dozier reiterated that he expects to become a free agent after not having any talks with the Minnesota Twins on a contract extension this offseason.  —  “I will be a free agent this fall,” …

Cleveland Indians INF Jason Kipnis finds spring-training success after “real good offseason”  —  Cleveland Indians infielder Jason Kipnis has found success in spring training after what he felt was “a real good offseason.”  —  CLEVELAND — The 2017 season was one full of challenges …

Cubs beat Rockies with homer in ninth, and Ian Happ continues torrid spring  —  Sign-Up for our Newsletter … SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Court, a 29-year-old minor-league free agent signed for depth at Class AAA, hit the go-ahead solo home run with one out in the top of the ninth as the Cubs beat …