Ian Desmond remains a possibility for Mets, but trade talks with Nationals haven't advanced  —  Washington GM Mike Rizzo told local reporters on Thursday that 'Ian Desmond is our shortstop.  He's the leader of our team.  He's one of the best shortstops in all of baseball.'

Phillies continue to seek big haul for Hamels, taker for Howard  —  The Phillies open spring training camp in Clearwater five weeks from today with their first workout for pitchers and catchers.  —  Will Cole Hamels be there?  —  Five days later, position players will join the group for the first official full-squad workout.

Rockies owner: Troy Tulowitzki to Mets ‘not happening’  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Charlie Monfort, co-owner of the Colorado Rockies, smiled when The Post told him of the many Mets fans who would love to see Troy Tulowitzki get traded to Citi Field.  —  “It's not happening,” Monfort responded.

Rangers' search for backup catcher points to Corporan, Soto  —  The Texas Rangers' pursuit of a catcher to back up Robinson Chirinos could take them to a familiar face or to a division rival.  —  The Rangers and the catcher-rich Houston Astros have discussed a trade for Carlos Corporan …

Why Tigers GM ruling out Max Scherzer needs a disclaimer  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — While the baseball world wonders where and when Max Scherzer will sign, his old general manager offered this prediction: not Detroit.  —  “I would say no, probably not,” Dave Dombrowski, also the Tigers' president …

Selig ‘emotional’ in final owners meeting  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Bud Selig concluded his final baseball owners meeting as commissioner after two days of basking in praise for the job he's done during more than 22 years in charge of the game.  —  Thursday's meeting followed a gala …

MLB to use pitch clock in minors' top levels  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — Major League Baseball will use a pitch clock this season at the minor leagues' Triple-A and Double-A levels.  —  Commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement at the conclusion of baseball's owners meetings.

Cardinals Sign Lance Lynn To Three-Year Deal  —  The Cardinals announced on Thursday that they have reached a three-year, deal with righty Lance Lynn that buys out his remaining three seasons of arbitration eligibility.  The contract reportedly guarantees Lynn a total of $22MM.

MLB awards 2016 All-Star Game to San Diego  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. - The San Diego Padres, who named their ballpark plaza after Commissioner Bud Selig in a controversial decision in August, were rewarded Thursday when they were granted the 2016 All-Star Game.

Blue Jays Sign Andy Dirks  —  1:40pm: The Blue Jays have announced the signing of Dirks to a minor league deal.  —  1:28pm: The Blue Jays and outfielder Andy Dirks are in agreement on a minor league contract with an invite to big league Spring Training, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.