Nationals' Scherzer, Astros' Verlander concerned about game  —  WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two more aces are expressing concern about how major league teams are playing their cards.  —  Washington right-hander Max Scherzer said Thursday there are too many teams trying not to win, and all the rebuilding “poisons the game.”

Trevor Bauer accuses Indians of ‘character assassination’ during arbitration hearing  —  All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer won his salary arbitration hearing with the Cleveland Indians this week, getting a $7-million raise over last year, but said Thursday he's unhappy with the way he was treated toward the end of the process.

Jacob deGrom still waiting on contract extension as Brodie Van Wagenen, Mets evaluate deal  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jacob deGrom is still waiting.  —  Despite the Mets' insistence that they want to sign deGrom to a long-term deal, the team has yet to offer a contract to the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.

Celebrating the wonderful life of MLB scout Tom Giordano  —  TAMPA, Florida - On some frigid winter night in New York, Tom Giordano answered the phone in Florida.  —  This was too many years ago to remember and whatever the purpose of the call is long lost, though I probably interrupted his dinner.

Sources: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres meet for second time  —  San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller flew to Miami last week and met with free-agent infielder Manny Machado, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan.  —  It's the second meeting the Padres and Machado have had this offseason …

Slimmer Cecil hopes to atone for bad year  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • To embattled Cardinals reliever Brett Cecil, the 2018 season “felt like a year-long stomping.  —  “It got to the point where I didn't even want to pitch because I didn't want to do bad,” said the 32-year-old lefthander.