Reds, Joey Votto Nearing Extension  —  12:14pm: Votto confirmed to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that an extension is close. … It's a gray area" (Twitter link).  —  11:40am: Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols won't be the only first basemen to cash in with historic contracts this offseason.

Josh Beckett getting exam but is expected to make his first start  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett has a thumb injury that is being checked out today in San Antonio, Texas.  But manager Bobby Valentine said he “totally” expects Beckett to start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

The powerful piece of paper that is the Tampa Bay Rays lease  —  The threat begins on page 32 of the document.  It doesn't sound scary at all.  —  And, yet, it is the reason politicians, business leaders and maybe even the commissioner of baseball are careful what they say about a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bay may start to lose grip on regular LF job  —  Mets on Twitter  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Jason Bay won't lose his starting job this week or likely even this month, but it doesn't mean the Mets left fielder is untouchable.  —  Though the idea has not yet reached the discussion stage among team executives …

Braves reliever Martinez arrested for DUI  —  Braves reliever Cristhian Martinez was arrested early Monday morning in Gwinnett County on charges of DUI, after allegedly weaving in and out of a lane and traveling at a low speed on I-85, confirmed Gwinnett County police spokesman Corporal Jake Smith.

Upton targeting return by mid-April  —  CF B.J. Upton said he is making good progress in his recovery from back soreness and is targeting a rerturn during the April 10-19 roadtrip to Detroit, Boston and Toronto.  —  “That's what we're shooting for,” Upton said this morning.

Sources: Cain-Giants contract talks heat up  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants did more than pack their lockers as they broke camp Sunday.  The front office also tried to wrap up right-hander Matt Cain.  —  Sources tell me that the volume of dialogue has increased between the Giants …

Ubaldo Jimenez drills Troy Tulowitzki, benches clear, Tulo leaves with elbow injury  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A war of words turned ugly today as the Indians' Ubaldo Jimenez hit Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the left elbow with a fastball on the first pitch of his at-bat.

Rockies growing old: Aging in a young man's game  —  Mind is a significant part of the battle … SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Hall of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige once said: “Age is a question of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.”  —  New Rockies right fielder Michael Cuddyer wraps his arms around that philosophy.

Tampa Bay Rays giving catcher Jose Lobaton opportunity to prove himself in majors  —  Jose Lobaton, 27, might wind up catching the bulk of the games this season for the Rays.  —  Times]  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — Jose Lobaton has done a lot — with his bat, with his arm, with his glove …

For Nationals' Jayson Werth, comforts of home make all the difference  —  Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post - Jayson Werth: “Maybe it's not a big deal.  Before you spend half a season in hotel, the other half in an apartment or some kind of rental, eating out a lot, you may not have a sense …

Prince's shot, McCann's slam lead split Tigers  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Most veterans grumble when asked to make a long Grapefruit League road trip, especially with a split squad in action at home.  Prince Fielder instead made the most of his assignment, launching a booming home run Sunday …

Peralta's homer backs up Fister's solid start  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Jhonny Peralta went all of Spring Training last year without driving in a run.  He's finishing Spring Training with a bang this year, slugging a two-run homer in the third inning to power the Tigers ahead for good in a 4-2 win …