President Obama: Jose Abreu's separation from son 'can't be the kind of policies we want to promote'  —  The Tampa Bay Rays and Cuban national team played an exhibition game at the Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana on March 22, 2016.  U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban president Raul Castro attended.

Dodgers OF Andre Ethier out 10-14 weeks after fracturing right tibia  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier will be out 10 to 14 weeks after fracturing his right tibia.  —  Ethier, the projected starter in left field this year, was injured after fouling a ball off …

Notes: Jayson Werth's deal could be an issue for the Nationals' crowded outfield  —  The Nationals' seven-year, $126 million commitment to Jayson Werth could prove to be a burden on multiple fronts.  —  Werth's $21 million salaries in both 2016 and ‘17 restricted the Nats’ ability to sign …

Bruce Arians: Patriots initiated talks that led to Chandler Jones trade  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — When a major trade goes down, it's always interesting to learn which side sparked the discussion.  —  In the case of Chandler Jones, it was the Patriots who approached the Cardinals about the deal.

Los Angeles Rams will be featured on HBO's ‘Hard Knocks’  —  Rams running back Todd Gurley, last season's offensive rookie of the year, is the kind of talent to which the Rams want to draw attention on “Hard Knocks.”  —  The Los Angeles Rams are ready for their close-up.

Orioles Sign Zach Phillips, Designate Chris Jones  —  The Orioles have signed lefty Zach Phillips to a one-year deal, announced the team.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, they designated southpaw Chris Jones for assignment.  MLBTR has learned that Phillips received a Major League deal worth $510K.

Ground Rule Doppelgangers  —  At any given point during a baseball franchise's history, a variety of factors combine to make up an organizational fingerprint.  These factors indicate the organization's past, present, and future plans as well as its recent success and potential for future success.

Delayed in Cuba, Rays eventually made it home around 5 a.m.  —  The Rays' historic trip to Cuba lasted a little bit longer than they had planned, as a series of delays, including a mechanical issue with one of their chartered planes, delayed their arrival in Tampa until about 5 a.m.

Matt Carpenter was good as contact hitter, but he's great as power hitter  —  Only three players saw their power numbers jump more last year than St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter.  Two of those were breakout kids — Bryce Harper and Nolan Arenado — and one was a comeback veteran (Mark Teixeira).

Yankees' Starlin Castro says Noah Syndergaard is Mets pitcher he'd least like to face  —  TAMPA — Matt Harvey will be the Mets' Opening Day starter and some argue that Jacob deGrom should have the title of staff ace.  —  New Yankee second baseman Starlin Castro has another take.

Story behind Dave Dombrowski's mandate to not worry about contracts when planning playing time  —  JUPITER, Florida — Some in the Red Sox organization have said they never experienced anything like what Dave Dombrowski did, and continues to do.  —  Both before spring training started …