Tomas Nido, Mets catchers adjusting to new pitching staff  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The relationship between Mets' catcher Tomas Nido and the club's newest ace began in Jupiter last month.  A bond was formed over not just baseball, but cars.  However, the batterymates did not bond over the same type of cars, just their affinity for them.

Joe Mazzulla's ascension to permanent head coach a popular move with Celtic players  —  SALT LAKE CITY — What's apparent about Joe Mazzulla being named permanent head coach of the Celtics is the team is ready to move forward from the Ime Udoka mess, if they haven't already.

Padres say keeping Manny Machado is a priority, but let star's extension deadline pass with only one offer  —  Machado let team know in December that he didn't want negotiate after the start of spring training; his deadline was Thursday  —  The Padres have received widespread praise …

Willson Contreras determined to silence the critics with Cardinals  —  JUPITER, Fl.  - Funny how two teams, historic rivals in the same division, can view the same player so differently.  The Cubs bid farewell to Willson Contreras in part because he did not meet their standards for defensive preparation and game-calling.

Aaron Nola, Phillies in talks over long-term extension: ‘I love it here’  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — After Aaron Nola got married in Adairsville, Ga., on New Year's Eve, he returned to Florida with his wife.  Aaron and Hunter are simple people — they traveled the country last winter …

Rob Manfred: MLB ready if Diamond Sports Group can't pay teams  —  PHOENIX — The impending bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, the company that owns Bally's 19 regional sports networks, will not affect fans' ability to watch their favorite teams play, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred …

New A's outfielder JJ Bleday arrives with a goal: ‘Dominate the heater’  —  MESA, Ariz. - Outfielder JJ Bleday arrived in Oakland Athletics camp on Friday at the end of a whirlwind week, greetings spilling onto the field during an informal hitters' workout.  Near home plate …

Recapping the Chicago Bulls: Short-handed roster can't keep up with the Milwaukee Bucks as skid hits a season-high 6  —  ExpandAutoplay  —  1 of 22  —  Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, right, watches from the bench in the second half of a game against the Bucks on Thursday at the United Center.

Cap Selections Announced for Fred McGriff, Scott Rolen  —  (COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.) - The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has announced that a St. Louis Cardinals logo will appear on the cap of the Hall of Fame plaque for 2023 Hall of Fame electee Scott Rolen.

Genesis Invitational notes: Patrick Cantlay loves Riviera Country Club  —  LOS ANGELES — Patrick Cantlay loves playing Riviera Country Club.  —  The former UCLA and Servite High star said so before this week's Genesis Invitational began, but his actions since play began have proved it …

USC gets back on track with easy win over Cal  —  LOS ANGELES — Another steal, this one an intercepted pass by Drew Peterson, and USC was off and running against Cal. Peterson took a few easy dribbles up the court, freshman Oziyah Sellers his running mate in transition.

Cavaliers, Kevin Love finalizing contract buyout; Heat to emerge as suitor: Sources  —  The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star should the sides finalize parting ways, league sources tell The Athletic.