Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Pablo Sandoval, who in the past had often been removed in late innings when the team was tied or ahead, will play entire games at third base more frequently.
Cespedes’ focus rises after his numbers fall
It is Chili Davis’ third camp with Yoenis Cespedes, and the first time Davis heard the slugger freely open up about his goals. They include certain numbers, but more importantly, a genuine desire to bring more focus to Cespedes’ game.
Healthy Harper moves on from injury that hampered ’13
After taking his physical and watching the United States’ Olympic hockey game in the clubhouse on Wednesday, Bryce Harper spoke to the local media and declared his knee was 100 percent. He is no longer in rehab mode and expects to participate in full-squad workouts Thursday.
Yost upbeat about his health, state of his club
A year ago Wednesday, Royals manager Ned Yost was in a hospital getting his gall bladder removed. The next day he was at the training complex back at work, albeit with an ice pack on his abdomen. This year, he’s crackin’ wise and feeling very good, about his team as well as himself.
Media glare dimmed, Dice-K goes about business
At one time the Japanese media covered Daisuke Matsuzaka’s every move. Now he pitches in relative quiet as he tries to win a spot in the Mets’ rotation.
Henry says 2013 title already behind Red Sox
The defending World Series champion Red Sox “have already turned the page,” principal owner John Henry said Wednesday as position players reported to Spring Training at JetBlue Park.
Bailey, Reds agree to six-year, $105 million deal
Reds pitcher Homer Bailey will definitely be part of the team’s rotation for the long haul. He and the club avoided arbitration Wednesday by agreeing to a six-year, $105 million contract, a source told MLB.com.
Car collector Verlander in search of his classic form
Justin Verlander pulled into Tigertown on Wednesday morning in an orange Lamborghini Roadster he had just received, having ordered it two years ago. It’s the kind of car that draws looks as it rolls down the streets of this central Florida town.
Asche likely to start at third, but has competition
Cody Asche is the heavy favorite to be the Phillies’ Opening Day third baseman, but nothing is guaranteed. “We have competitions at lot of different spots,” Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Wednesday. Top Phillies prospect Maikel Franco also plays third.
Price skips ‘pen session, feels ahead of schedule
David Price caught everybody’s attention Wednesday morning when he did not throw his bullpen session as scheduled. No worries. The ace was simply exercising an option extended by pitching coach Jim Hickey to all of the Rays’ hurlers.
Rangers eye status quo from new-look Fielder
There is much new and different for Prince Fielder this spring: new team, new spot in the batting order, and most noticeable, a new haircut. The famous dreadlocks are gone, at least for now.
Ortiz says he’s seeking just a one-year extension
In his annual State of the Big Papi address, David Ortiz, now 38, said he’s asking the club to extend his current contract by a season, and by one season only. Afterward, principal owner John Henry said management might be inclined to do just that.
Phillips arrives, declines to speak with reporters
Following a turbulent offseason of trade rumors, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips reported to Spring Training on Wednesday on the day the full squad was scheduled to report.
Phillips declined to speak with reporters, however. “I’m just here to play,” Phillips said through a team spokesman.
Trout’s rising popularity follows him to camp
Two springs ago, Mike Trout was trying to find his way on the Angels’ roster. Now, he is in many ways the most popular player in baseball — the guy for whom hundreds of fans line up to see at an airport, the one doing seven-hour photo shoots with Nike and the player at least one U.S. president refers to in speeches.
Jeter on retirement: ‘This was the right time’
Derek Jeter said he had hoped to fly under the radar, but of course, that wasn’t possible. Not after he announced on Facebook that this would be his last season playing shortstop for the Yankees. So hundreds of reporters, photographers and camera crews descended on George M. Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday.
Myers’ plan: Move on from Fenway experience
Not exactly Wil Myers’ fondest memory. Flash back to October and Fenway Park for Game 1 of the American League Division Series. David Ortiz hits a deep fly ball to right in the bottom of the fourth and, somehow, Myers, the Rays’ rookie right-fielder lets the ball drop in for a ground-rule double.
If the price is right, Rangers would bring back Cruz
Nobody has to tell the Texas Rangers what Nelson Cruz supplies: power, lots of it, with the volume turned up full blast in the postseason to the tune of 14 homers and 27 RBIs across 34 games. The issue is demand.