Tony Sandifer’s first-inning two-run double provided a quick spark for Central Missouri on Tuesday. The hit was much needed as it helped the Mules hold off Winona State, 3-2, on the final day of the 2014 Houston Winter Invitational at Minute Maid Park.

Former Major Leaguer Alvaro Espinoza, along with Jesus Alfaro and Carlos Quintana, were inducted into the Caribbean Series Hall of Fame in a special ceremony Tuesday morning at Tibisay Hotel.

While Jason Heyward has the comfort of knowing he will never again have to worry about the arbitration process, Freddie Freeman has the comfort of knowing he is the owner of an eight-year deal that stands as the most lucrative in Braves franchise history.

Jesse Crain, one of Houston’s key winter acquisitions, made a stride forward in his recovery from an injury on Monday when he threw a baseball for the first time since undergoing surgery for biceps tendinitis in October.

It seems the Braves believe that Freddie Freeman’s next act will be to become Chipper Jones — a cornerstone hitter on a perennial contender whose production is so reliable it can be assumed every spring.

Dillon Gee has spent much of his Major League service time wondering when a demotion might come. But after a strong showing in 2013, and a growing stature in the community, he enters Spring Training as one of the rocks in the Mets’ rotation.

Brett Gardner said that he was caught off guard when the Yankees added Jacoby Ellsbury, a move that shook up the club’s defensive alignment, but the speedster said on Tuesday that there should be more than enough room in the outfield for both players.

Carlos Zambrano built a reputation for being stellar, erratic and volatile when he’s on the mound, and that’s part of the reason the Venezuelan locals love him so much. Zambrano’s unpredictable nature also helps explain why he remains unsigned and is still looking for a job in the big leagues.

Manager Brad Ausmus has enough history to follow in the Tigers dugout. He’ll become part of club history the first time he leaves it. Former skipper Jim Leyland’s arguments were legendary, but never, though, did Leyland have the option to challenge a call on replay.

Left-hander Sammy Solis — fully recovered from Tommy John surgery — and outfielder Steven Souza — a recent addition to the 40-man roster — hope to make an impact at Nationals camp this spring.

The Red Sox announced a slew of personnel moves on Tuesday, handing out 18 new jobs in their baseball operations department.

The Astros are expanding youth baseball in their local community. Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that the Astros Foundation will be launching a new Astros RBI League, a free baseball and softball program that will be headquartered at the Urban Youth Academy in Houston.

The Padres announced two revisions to their upcoming exhibition schedule on Tuesday. The Padres’ two-game series against the Indians to end Spring Training has been moved from Petco Park to Fowler Park and Cunningham Field on the campus of the University of San Diego.

The Dodgers will televise Spring Training games daily this year on their new network, SportsNet LA, with Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully calling the inaugural game on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at noon PT against the D-backs.

The Marlins agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year contract with infielder Jeff Baker, who bolsters the club’s depth and offers a potential platoon option at first base.

The Mariners have avoided an arbitration hearing with Logan Morrison after agreeing on a one-year contract for 2014. The deal is worth $1.75 million, according to CBSSports.com, and includes $350,000 in incentives. The club announced the deal, but not the financial terms, on Tuesday.

The Rangers worked out Korean free-agent right-hander Suk-Min Yoon, who is garnering interest from at least six teams.