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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Rhys Hoskins powers Phillies past Twins  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Rhys Hoskins hit his second homer of the spring Monday, and the Phillies went into their off day with a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Grapefruit League play.  —  Here's a look at the game:  —  The starter

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,” …

Derek Norris stays hot in Tigers 4-2 loss to Mets  —  Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch spoke to reporters on Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Lakeland, Fla. Video by George Sipple/DFP  —  At First Data Field, Port St. Lucie, Fla.  —  What happened  —  The Tigers lost to the Mets, 4-2. ...

How baseball wisdom is passed down every spring  —  TAMPA — In the bullpen under the bridge at Steinbrenner Field or in the clubhouse or a meeting room or wherever pitchers and pitching coaches talk shop, Ron Guidry will likely pass along a tip or a suggestion that he heard from Whitey Ford more than 40 years ago.

New Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish to debut Tuesday against former team  —  MESA, Calif. — It was delayed by five days due to a stomach issue, but Yu Darvish — the highest-priced free agent pitcher signed this winter — will make his Chicago Cubs debut on Tuesday against his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.