MLB win totals: How we see the 2019 season unfolding  —  What I'm Hearing: Bob Nightengale was in attendance for Bryce Harper's introductory press conference for the Philadelphia Phillies.  He says it was made clear what the expectations are for this year and beyond.  —  CONNECT

Extensions are MLB's new normal.  Are Bryant, other Cubs next?  —  MESA, Ariz. — Has there been a change in strategy around baseball?  What used to be the goal of nearly every player — earning the right to choose which team he plays for — might now be less appealing.

Cardinals notes: ‘Big target’ Wieters begins bid to be Molina's backup  —  LAKELAND, Fla.  • A few times in his first week with the Cardinals, veteran catcher Matt Wieters has mentioned how he despises being late.  Ask his wife, he has said.  Ask his family, he insisted.

JESSICA MENDOZA NAMED BASEBALL OPERATIONS ADVISOR  —  The New York Mets announced today that Jessica Mendoza has been named a baseball operations advisor for the club.  —  In her new role, Mendoza will provide insight to Executive Vice President & General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen as well as the entire Baseball Operations Department.

Clippers knock out Lakers, likely ending their playoff dreams  —  LOS ANGELES — Just over a month ago, LeBron James made a triumphant return against the Clippers - the franchise that's so often played second fiddle in their own town.  —  Monday night, the Clippers paid him back …

Dodgers ace Kershaw could miss opening day start  —  Clayton Kershaw might not be on the mound when the two-time NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers start the season.  —  The lefty ace is working his way back from shoulder soreness that caused him to shut down his spring training.

All Hand's on deck!  Indians pitchers, coaches marvel at closer Brad Hand's calm demeanor  —  Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand has marvelled teammates and coaches alike with his calm demeanor in tough situations.  —  CLEVELAND — Major League Baseball relievers, and more specifically …

Yankees Scratch Luis Severino From Spring Outing With Shoulder Discomfort  —  The Yankees announced today that prized righty Luis Severino would miss his scheduled spring outing.  He had begun to warm up but experienced “discomfort” in his pitching shoulder, per the team.

Predicting the Cincinnati Reds' roster has gotten fuzzier  —  GOODYEAR, Arizona - Two-and-a-half weeks before spring training started, I took a stab at predicting the Reds' 25-man Opening Day roster.  Three weeks into spring training, I'll take another stab - albeit with no more confidence than I did back in January.

Twins tap All-Star Berrios to start on opening day  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jose Berrios will be Minnesota's Opening Day starter, the first such assignment for the 24-year-old right-hander.  —  Twins manager Rocco Baldelli announced the decision to reporters on Monday, a natural honor for the team's only All-Star last season.

Who is White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal?  —  The White Sox drafted Nick Madrigal with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Tim Anderson handled the question as easily as a routine two-hopper.  —  Asked which player had most impressed him during spring training, the White Sox shortstop replied: “Nick Madrigal.