Trevor Bauer has only thrown one bullpen session this spring, but Indians manager Terry Francona is already raving about the progress made by the pitching prospect.

What’s encouraging for Tim Hudson and the Giants is that he already has thrown three times off a mound, which is part of his usual offseason regimen. What’s challenging for the right-hander is that he began conditioning exercises only recently as pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training.

Jeff Samardzija does not want to discuss a possible long-term contract with the Cubs or his name being mentioned in trade rumors. He will be a free agent after the 2015 season.

On Friday, one day after the Nationals acquired him from the Rays, catcher Jose Lobaton arrived at Space Coast Stadium and worked out with his new teammates.

If all goes well, the Orioles could have Dylan Bundy in a Baltimore uniform in June. Bundy, who had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last June, has been throwing from 120 feet.

Ryan Lavarnway, a catcher up to this point in his professional development, has been working at first base with Red Sox infield instructor Brian Butterfield.

Yasiel Puig underwent an MRI on his right shoulder earlier this week before returning to the field with a limited throwing program. The MRI revealed no serious injury and he was diagnosed with a return of inflammation that cropped up sporadically last year.

Friday was the official reporting day for the Royals’ pitchers and catchers, but it was a rather quiet morning in the clubhouse, because most of them had arrived several days earlier. The relative quiet was broken when James Shields burst through the door, ready to get to work.

Derek Jeter went through his usual routine on Friday and said that he has no concerns about his health or his ankle heading into the season.

Brian McCann was regarded as a leader in the Braves’ clubhouse following Chipper Jones’ retirement, but he isn’t necessarily looking to take on a similar role with the Yankees.

MLBAM today announced it has completed installation of Apple’s iBeacon technology at the first two of more than 20 Major League Baseball ballparks that will use iBeacon technology for Opening Day of the 2014 season.

In the desert, D-back fans have every reason to be enthused about a new partnership. Call it “Thunder and More Thunder.” Paul Goldschmidt and Mark Trumbo, his new left fielder, give manager Kirk Gibson a pair of long-distance operators.

On Friday morning, the Braves announced they had signed Julio Teheran to a six-year $32.4 million extension that includes an option for the 2020 season. If the option is exercised, the 23-year-old pitcher will earn $44.4 million over the next seven seasons.

First things first. As a matter of fact, CC Sabathia does look different. Yes, dramatically different.

After dazzling in his 2013 debut and starting the AL Wild Card Game, hard-throwing righty Danny Salazar enters this season without pitch or innings limits. GM Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona expect him to continue to impress as a permanent member of the Tribe’s rotation.

Jordan Walden arrived in Braves camp this week looking forward to the opportunity to distance himself from the frustration he felt when a groin injury sidelined him down the stretch last year and tainted what had previously been an impressive season.

David Price wore a broad smile standing in front of his locker Friday morning when pitchers and catchers reported to the Charlotte Sport Complex in advance of Saturday’s first Spring Training workout.