The Rays captured a 4-1 win over the Cuban National Team in an exhibition in Havana. President Obama and the First Lady sat behind home plate to take in the game. It was the first MLB exhibition in Cuba since 1999.
Anthony Rizzo homered as the Cubs outslugged the Reds, 9-6, in Cactus League play. Jason Hammel allowed one earned run and three hits in five innings of work. The Cubs take on the Rangers this afternoon.
Jimmy Rollins belted a three-run homer as the White Sox rallied for an 8-7 win over the Giants. Austin Jackson and Travis Ishikawa launched solo shots in the victory. The White Sox face the Padres today.
Perhaps no Cardinal has made a bigger impression this spring than outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker. Signed last May after being released by the Dodgers, the 28-year-old is 9-for-29 with two home runs, seven RBI and four stolen bases in Florida. He’s one of 19 position players left in camp.
Colts owner Jim Irsay said at the annual owners meetings Tuesday that he would like to sign quarterback Andrew Luck to an extension no later than July 4th. Irsay told reporters that while there is no urgency, both sides would like to get something done now instead of dealing with contract talks next season. Luck is coming off the worst season of his four-year career, throwing 15 touchdowns and accounting for 13 turnovers in seven games.
Tight end Josh Hill has signed an offer sheet with the Bears. The Saints have five days to match Chicago’s offer for the restricted free agent. Hill had eight touchdown grabs in three seasons in New Orleans.
With the Rams having left for Los Angeles, don’t look for the Raiders to move to St. Louis. Raiders owner Mark Davis told the “Post-Dispatch” at the NFL meetings in Florida that he believes the Raider brand is a different brand and he doesn’t believe St. Louis would maximize it.
The NFL is completely eliminating the chop block while making extra-point snaps from the 15-yard line permanent. League owners approved both proposals from the competition committee. The definition of a horse-collar tackle is also being expanded to include the nameplate on the back of the jersey.
The Chiefs could be without star pass-rusher Justin Houston next season. The team’s trainer says he had surgery in February to fix an ACL that wasn’t functioning properly. He’s expected to miss anywhere from six to 12 months.
Brian Elliot turned away 37 shots to lead the Blues to a 1-0 shutout win over the Sharks at the SAP Center. Robby Fabbri had the only goal midway through the third period from Troy Brouwer and Jay Bowmeester. The Blues are second in the Central Division with 95 points. They host Vancouver on Friday.
The Stars hit the Blackhawks with a four-goal barrage in the first period and coasted to a 6-2 win. Andrew Shaw and Richard Panik had the goals for Chicago, which has dropped seven of its last nine games. Scott Darling was pulled after allowing the first four goals on 15 shots. The ‘Hawks visit the Flames Saturday.
Former Nuggets star and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo [[ dih-KEM-bay moo-TOM-bo ]] is okay after the terrorist attacks in Belgium. There for a conference, Mutombo wrote on Facebook, “God is good. I am in Brussels Airport with this craziness. I am fine.”