While the Giants’ annual FanFest offered its typical array of activities and attractions, the question-and-answer sessions alone were worth the price of admission, as usual.

Pitchers and catchers are a few days from reporting to Spring Training, but at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif., baseball is a year-round proposition.

Designated hitter Billy Butler is looking forward to swinging behind the Royals’ projected top-of-the-lineup trio and just in front of Alex Gordon, who spent a lot of time in the leadoff role in recent years.

Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, 86, and entering his 65th season at the microphone, said he’s eager for 2014 because of what he saw from the Dodgers in 2013, and not just on the field.

Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp said he rushed back from each of his injuries last season and vowed not to repeat those mistakes this year as he recovers from ankle and shoulder surgery.

Yasiel Puig, long used to the spotlight cast upon him during his spectacular rookie season, seemed even more in his element Saturday when he paid a 90-minute visit to the MLB Urban Youth Academy to take part in Compton’s second Annual Community Day at the facility.

O’s third baseman Manny Machado — who had a torn medial patellofemoral ligament repaired in his left knee — will essentially relearn to run with the hope being that he will be cleared at his next appointment in approximately six weeks to start playing in spring games.

Yes, James Shields is headed for free agency after next season. And, yes, he’d be willing to discuss extending his Kansas City stay. But, no, Shields is not really heading for the open market looking for a Zack Greinke-type contract — six years at $147 million — as one columnist speculated.

The Orioles would like to avoid a contentious arbitration hearing with Matt Wieters, although the catcher said Saturday at the team’s annual FanFest that he’s staying out of it.

Finally, pitcher Bruce Chen is officially on the Royals’ roster. But, surprisingly, projected super-utility player Emilio Bonifacio is gone. Bonifacio was designated for assignment on Saturday to make room for Chen on the 40-man roster.

Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette wanted to make one thing clear at Saturday’s FanFest: Baltimore has unfinished business this winter.

The National Park Service’s decision this week to add the Astrodome to its National Register of Historic Places might help keep the wrecking ball at bay, but still leaves it in a precarious position, according to The Associated Press.

Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is considering the opportunity to join the Houston Astros, where his son Reid is the team president.

The Dodgers and catcher A.J. Ellis avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 2014 contract for $3.55 million plus incentives on Saturday.

Katie Uhlaender, a member of the U.S. skeleton team, is going to represent her country, family and late father — former Major Leaguer Ted Uhlaender — this month at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The Nationals and newly acquired right-hander Doug Fister avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year deal Saturday morning. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

With Super Bowl Sunday near, the baseball world offered predictions for the big game between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. In a survey of 27 players, coaches and broadcasters from 25 Major League clubs, the majority favored the Broncos, by a margin of 17 to 10. Denver quarterback Peyton Manning was an overwhelming reason why many chose the Broncos, while those rolling with Seattle mainly cited the Seahawks’ vaunted defense.