>>Cubs’ Darvish To Make Spring Debut
(Mesa, AZ) — Cubs starter Yu Darvish will make his spring debut today in Mesa against his former team, the Dodgers. Darvish was supposed to start last week, but had a stomach virus. He’s expected to throw two or three innings. Former Dodger Brandon Morrow is also going to make his debut for Chicago. Ian Happ hit his fourth homer of Cactus League play in yesterday’s 5-4 win over the Rockies in Scottsdale.
>>White Sox Settle For Tie With A’s
(Mesa, AZ) — The White Sox blew a 9-0 lead in a 9-9 tie against the Athletics in Mesa. Chicago’s Yoan Moncada went 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored, while Matt Skole connected for a three-run shot. The Sox face the Brewers this afternoon at Camelback Ranch to continue Cactus League action.
>>Cardinals Lock Up DeJong With Six-Year Extension
(Jupiter, FL) — The Cardinals are locking up infielder Paul DeJong [[ deh-YOUNG ]] with a long-term contract. The “Post-Dispatch” reports it’s a six-year deal worth 26-million-dollars, with a pair of club options for 2024 and 2025. DeJong hit .285 with 25 home runs and 65 RBI in 108 games as a rookie last season, playing mostly shortstop.
>>Weaver Sharp As Cardinals Clip Nationals
(Jupiter, FL) — Luke Weaver pitched three strong innings as the Cardinals clipped the Nationals 2-1 in Jupiter. Weaver struck out four while allowing just a solo homer to Andrew Stevenson. Greg Garcia doubled home the go-ahead run in a two-run fifth. Austin Gomber got the win with three shutout innings. The Cardinals visit the Marlins today.
>>Bears To Sign Forte To One-Day Contract
(Chicago, IL) — Running back Matt Forte wants to end his career in a Bears’ uniform. Forte tells NBC Sports Chicago that he’s going to sign a one-day contract with the Bears to officially conclude his playing days. He spent the last two seasons with the Jets after the first eight years of his career with the Bears. Forte announced he was going to retire last week.
>>NFL Salary Cap Increasing More Than 10-Million, Tag Deadline Tuesday
(New York, NY) — The NFL’s salary cap for the 2018 season is increasing more than 10-million-dollars. Multiple sources says the cap will rise from 167-million to 177.2-million per team. That’s down from a 12-million-dollar jump the season before, but still the fifth straight year the salary cap has increased by at least 10-million-dollars.
>>NFL Franchise Tags Have To Be Applied By Today
(Undated) — The deadline for NFL teams to use the franchise tag is 4 p.m. Eastern today. Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell tells ESPN he expects to be tagged for the second straight year. NFL Network reports the Rams will tag either wide receiver Sammy Watkins or defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence signed his franchise tender on Monday.
>>Celtics Destroy Bulls
(Chicago, IL) — The Bulls were outscored by 19 in the first quarter and never recovered in a 105-89 Celtics’ win at the United Center. Chicago trailed by 32 going into the fourth quarter before winning the final 12 minutes 36-to-19. Denzel Valentine had 20 points off the bench for the Bulls, who have lost seven-of-eight. Chicago is 21-and-42 and hosts Memphis tomorrow.
>>Blackhawks Host Avs
(Chicago, IL) — The Blackhawks welcome the Avalanche to the United Center tonight. It’s the first of two straight games at home for Chicago. The Blackhawks lost three-of-four on a road trip that ended with a 6-3 setback to the Ducks on Sunday . The Blackhawks are in last in the Central Division with 64 points, 13 out of a wild card spot in the West.
>>Blues At Sharks Thursday
(San Jose, CA) — The Blues enjoy a few more days off before their next game. They skate Thursday in San Jose. It’s the second of a four-game road trip that includes stops in Los Angeles and Anaheim. They opened the trek with a 3-2 overtime loss Saturday at Dallas. With 75 points, the Blues are two out of a wild card spot in the West.
>>NCAA Conference Tournament Roundup
(Undated) — Two more tickets are punched to the NCAA Tournament. UNC Greensboro topped East Tennessee State 62-47 in the Southern Conference title game. Iona is also going dancing after beating Fairfield 83-71 in the MAAC championship game. The ACC Tournament starts today. Cleveland State tries to finish off a magical run in the Horizon League Tournament tonight against Wright State.
>>Nance Has Career Night In First Cavs Start
(Cleveland, OH) — Larry Nance Junior’s first start for the Cavaliers is a smashing success. Nance posted a career-high 22 points and 15 rebounds as Cleveland crushed the Pistons 112-90 at Quicken Loans Arena. He moved into the first unit due to Tristan Thompson’s ankle injury. LeBron James paced the Cavs with 31 points, seven boards and seven assists.
>>Canelo Fails Drug Test Before Triple-G Fight
(Undated) — The status of the Canelo Alvarez-“GGG” rematch is up in the air. Alvarez tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. ESPN reports urine samples collected February 17th and 20th both contained the prohibited substance. The Alvarez camp claims clenbuterol showed up on his test due to a meat contamination. The fight is scheduled for May 5th in Las Vegas.