ZiPS projected standings/World Series chances: Where do Royals, Mets check in?  —  The 2016 baseball season has its soft launch today, with three regular-season games today to wet our whistle before the floodgates open with nearly a full slate Monday.  It's also our last chance …

Ranked: Most and Least Expensive Stadiums for MLB Fans to Watch a Baseball Game  —  The 2016 Major League Baseball season opened April 3 with exciting matchups including a 2015 World Series rematch between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets and some not-so-exciting costs for fans.

Opening Day postponed to Tuesday for Astros-Yankees, Red Sox-Indians  —  Opening Day has to wait for fans of four Major League Baseball teams, as unexpected wintry weather led to a pair of postponements Monday.  —  The Houston Astros' opener at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees …

Source: Gregory Polanco, Pirates agree to five-year extension  —  Gregory Polanco and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed on a five-year contract extension with two club options that locks in the prime years of the young outfielder, something with which the Pirates have found significant success in recent years …

Motorcyclist claims Miami driver attempted to run him off road  —  Rider claims he is ‘inexperienced’ and panicked  —  MIAMI - A South Florida motorcyclist claims he was almost forced off a Miami roadway in a road rage incident that was all caught on video and posted to YouTube.

Report: MLB approves players to wear 2 devices during games  —  NEW YORK — Wearable technology is coming to Major League Baseball.  —  The sport's playing rules committee approved two devices for use during games this season, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

Texas Rangers turn to big-game starter Cole Hamels for 2016 opener  —  Teammates say they will have true ace on mound Hamels' big-game legacy started in 2007 playoffs Left-hander finished spring with his best outing  —  ARLINGTON  —  With all due respect to the Texas Rangers pitchers …

Padres, Phillies, Brewers Double Up As 10 Rule 5 Draft Picks Stick  —  A few years ago, there seemed to be some logic to the argument that the Rule 5 draft was an obsolete anachronism.  Year after year, very few players stuck and those that did made very little impact.

Nick Markakis called out via Utley Rule after wide slide into 2nd  —  ATLANTA — Major League Baseball's new “Chase Utley Rule” has cost the Atlanta Braves a baserunner in their opening game against the Washington Nationals.  —  Max Scherzer walked Nick Markakis to lead off the seventh inning Monday.

Offseason In Review: Washington Nationals  —  This is the latest entry in MLBTR's Offseason In Review series.  The full index of Offseason In Review posts can be found here.  —  The Nationals missed on several major free-agent targets, but added multiple veteran pieces to a still-talented core.

United Airlines flight attendant opens emergency door, deploys slide after plane lands at Bush IAH  —  HOUSTON - A United Airlines flight attendant intentionally opened a plane door and inflated the emergency slide after the aircraft landed Monday at Bush Intercontinental Airport.