Truth & Rumors > MLB

08:52 AM ET 06.16 | First, Felix Hernandez. Then Justin Verlander. And soon, Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers have made progress on a seven-year extension for Kershaw, and the dollar amount will be above the $180 million the Tigers awarded Verlander, according to major-league sources. The contract would be the largest for a pitcher in baseball history. Kershaw, 25, would warrant a richer deal than Verlander, 30, and Hernandez, 27, because he is younger than both of those pitchers, sources said. The two sides discussed a variety of proposals earlier in the negotiations -- including 10 years, $250 million and 12 years, $300 million, sources said. The deal currently under discussion is more in line with the current market -- and would make Kershaw a free agent again at 32 if it did not include options. Kershaw currently is in the second year of a two-year, $19 million contract.

FOX Sports

> Comment

09:37 AM ET 06.16 | Resistance will be futile, Rangers manager Ron Washington said on Saturday. When he wants to play rookie infielder Jurickson Profar, the veteran getting a break cannot talk his way into the lineup. "When I decide it's time for him to play, it's going to be time for him to play," Washington said. "When I tell (veterans) they've got a day off, he's going to play. We've got to find out how we're going to do it." In the past, Washington has been willing to tear up a lineup and insert a veteran who previously was not playing. Third baseman Adrian Beltre has been the most insistent about playing as often as possible. Profar will be used at second, shortstop and third base while also learning the corner-outfield spots. Profar began working on outfield fundamentals with coach Gary Pettis during batting practice. Profar said he has no outfield experience. "It doesn't matter," Profar said of shuttling among positions. "It's baseball. That's what I want to do: play baseball." Profar will start on Sunday, Washington said. He has not settled on a position.

Dallas Morning News

> Comment

09:23 AM ET 06.16 | Kevin Gregg couldn't make the Dodgers' bullpen in spring training, but he has pitched so well for the Cubs that he's on the short list of players the Tigers are considering as they continue to try to solve their closer dilemma. His experience and strike-throwing ability appeal to the Tigers, who would consider Carlos Marmol as part of a package. The Mariners' Tom Wilhelmsen is at the top of their wish list, with Jonathan Papelbon a possibility if the Phillies make him available.

Chicago Tribune

> Comment

09:16 AM ET 06.16 | "Are you out of your [bleeping] mind?" -- Dodgers global cross-checker Paul Fryer to VP of scouting Logan White, after White told him how much he intended to offer outfielder Yasiel Puig. There are no games. No eyewitness scouting reports from your own organization. Limited film. In this age -- when everyone knows everything about everyone -- you wouldn't offer that guy much, if any, money to sign, would you? Except, White asks, what if the player were LeBron James? Based on just seeing him work out, would you walk away from that gym without moving heaven, earth and even $42 million to get him? Don't some athletes just pop, just scream that they are unique? Because White saw the baseball version of LeBron James a year ago this month in Mexico City. I wanted the player," White remembered during a phone conversation. "And I will tell you how badly I wanted him: I would rather he come to us with the talent I saw and fail to turn those tools into anything than go someplace else and succeed. I couldn't have lived with that."

New York Post

> Comment

08:34 AM ET 06.16 | Whereas the Marlins are open to trading pitcher Ricky Nolasco as soon as they get a very good offer and also would move reliever Ryan Webb, they also have told people they're reluctant to deal relievers Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn. The Yankees, Orioles and Giants reportedly are among those with interest in Nolasco.

Miami Herald

> Comment