Theo Epstein likes way Cubs have come together but knows pitfalls lie ahead  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Spring training has run almost too smoothly for Cubs President Theo Epstein with one exhibition game remaining.  —  “There are always issues,” Epstein said to a press gaggle of mostly Boston media.

Matt Harvey: Mets going to shock a lot of people  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The bravado is back.  —  Matt Harvey interrupted an otherwise sleepy final day of Mets camp by declaring the Mets are poised to make pundits look silly this upcoming season.  —  “Sky's the limit.

Source: Diamondbacks, Ketel Marte agree to five-year contract  —  PHOENIX — A person familiar with the deal says the Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder Ketel Marte have agreed to a $24 million, five-year contract.  —  The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the agreement had not been announced.

Rays To Release Dan Jennings  —  The Rays will release left-handed reliever Dan Jennings, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.  In doing so, they'll pay one-fourth of Jennings' $2.375MM salary (~$575K), a non-guaranteed arbitration award.  —  The Rays finished slightly below .500 last year …

After an enlightening spring training, Mickey Callaway is ready for his first real test as Mets' manager  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — As a veteran in Triple-A, Dave Eiland gave a young Mickey Callaway some important advice: pitch with conviction.  Wednesday night, Eiland will give the Mets …

Spring rain threatens to dampen Detroit Tigers Opening Day  —  It's finally spring and time to play ball, but rain could put a damper on Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers.  —  The week will start off sunny and breezy today as temperatures warm up into the low 50s, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake.

A look at the 2018 Angels, position by position  —  STARTING ROTATION  —  As has been well-chronicled, the injuries to the Angels' rotation in the past two years have been largely responsible for the team's losing records each of those years.  This year, they began the spring with eight healthy starters …

Yankee sluggers Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez should have a blast as Murderers' Row 2.0  —  TAMPA — Upon being traded to the Yankees, reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton couldn't contain his excitement about joining a star-laden lineup that has already been dubbed Murderers' Row 2.0.

In Montreal, Carpenter continues to see how his throws translate to third  —  MONTREAL  • Several hours before first pitch in baseball's return this year to Quebec and the turf of Stade Olympique, Kolten Wong and some of the others Cardinals filed out to the field, an extra pair of shoes in their hands.

Tommy Hunter headed to disabled list with hamstring injury  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Phillies took another hit in the pitching department Monday when they learned that veteran reliever Tommy Hunter would be unable to open the regular season Thursday in Atlanta because of a mild hamstring strain.

Yovani Gallardo released, will receive $483K in termination pay  —  PHOENIX — Yovani Gallardo has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers, who owe the 32-year-old right-hander $483,871 in termination pay rather than his $2 million salary.  —  Milwaukee made the move Monday …

Clint Frazier back on the field at Tampa; Giancarlo homers in Yankees exhibition win at Atlanta  —  ATLANTA - Over a month since he suffered a concussion, Clint Frazier took on-field batting practice at the Yankees' Tampa, Fla., complex on Monday.  —  “(It's) another hurdle that he got across …

Curacao is an island unto itself when it comes to producing big-league ballplayers  —  WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — A cruise ship rises into view just beyond the left-field foul line of Curacao's largest ballpark, and a row of tall, thin palm trees provide little shade to keep the diamond's rocky dirt infield from baking in the midday sun.

Giants To Designate Jarrett Parker, Select Derek Holland  —  The Giants have designated outfielder Jarrett Parker for assignment, per John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter).  His roster spot was needed for the addition of lefty Derek Holland, who'll make the rotation after signing …

MLB predictions 2018 season … Our azcentral sports experts predict the Diamondbacks' fate and the 2018 season.  —  Diamondbacks story line: The Diamondbacks have beefed up their bullpen, possess a talented starting rotation and rebounded well from the loss of J.D. Martinez.

2018 NL Central Preview  —  The division previews continue with the NL Central.  I try to get a handle on the wins for the core of the team.  That includes the starting position players, the starting rotation, and the closer.  I use a combination of depth charts, along with news stories to determine those groups.