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 …

Jon Lester trying ‘Jordan-to-Pippen bounce’ in unorthodox attempt to solve throwing problem  —  Jon Lester is trying to channel his inner Chicago Bull to solve his well-documented throwing problem.  —  Lester told reporters Sunday that he's been working on intentionally bouncing throws …

Dylan Cease set to make first Cactus League start for White Sox  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Dylan Cease is set to make his first start of the Cactus League when the White Sox take on the Athletics on Monday in Mesa.  —  The right-hander who can reach 100 mph on the radar has been focusing …

Mariners working to finalize one-year deal with Ichiro  —  Ichiro Suzuki is nearing a return to the Seattle Mariners, who are working to finalize an agreement with the former franchise icon, a source confirmed to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.  —  USA Today Sports first reported Monday that Ichiro …

Parallel between last Yankee season's Aaron Judge - Aaron Hicks competition and Miguel Andujar - Brandon Drury  —  TAMPA — Three weeks down.  Three weeks to go.  —  We're halfway through spring training 2018 now, and I can't help but notice a parallel between the Aaron Judge …

Eric Hosmer embraces new chapter with Padres - but won't turn page on time with Royals  —  SportsPulse: The Dodgers have won their division five years in a row.  Are they a lock to do it again?  USA TODAY Sports  —  CONNECT  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - It's quiet this afternoon at the San Diego Padres' complex …

Blue Jays manager doesn't expect Tulowitzki OK for opener  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says he isn't counting on having shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the lineup for opening day.  —  Tulowitzki has been slowed by a bone spur in his right heel and hasn't played in any spring training games.

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,” …

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.

Former MLB players Clevenger, Reimold among attendees of Tigers' open tryout  —  LAKELAND, Fla. - Jack Patrick, an 18-year-old student at Macomb Community College, took his swings on the backfields of Tigertown on Monday.  —  So did players former major leaguers like catcher Steve Clevenger and outfielder Nolan Reimold.

Bryce Harper: Nationals slugger smacks his first home run of spring training … Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper made solid contact on his first home run of spring training.  —  Harper hit the four-bagger Sunday in the Nationals' 6-2 win against the Detroit Tigers at Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

Braves Acquire Ryan Schimpf, Outright Josh Ravin  —  The Braves announced on Monday that they've acquired infielder Ryan Schimpf from the Rays in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Atlanta placed right-hander Josh Ravin on outright waivers.

Racial politics of baseball will be the downfall of America's pastime  —  Ronald Acuna isn't a household name, yet.  But if everything goes as planned, he will be.  —  But instead of being regarded as one of the future faces of Major League Baseball, I learned about the best minor league prospect …