Shortstop Stephen Drew’s options appear to be dwindling as potential suitors are losing interest in signing the free agent.

Not only does Tigers catcher Alex Avila have a new manager after spending his career under Jim Leyland, he has a former longtime Major League catcher at the helm. Brad Ausmus has made no secret he’s going to put some responsibility on Avila, not only to call the game, but also to provide an honest opinion on the way a pitcher is faring.

If there was a message the Blue Jays tried to deliver to their fan base at the club’s annual State of the Franchise event on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre, it was to remain optimistic and have faith that the organization is trying to bring a championship to Toronto.

D-backs pitcher Brandon McCarthy is looking forward to the day when he feels comfortable wearing a protective hat on the mound. That day will not be this year. Major League Baseball has approved a padded cap designed to protect pitchers from potentially dangerous line drives, but for McCarthy it’s just not quite the right fit yet.

The Royals added outfield depth on Wednesday, acquiring Carlos Peguero from the Mariners. In exchange, the Mariners will receive a player to be named or cash.

Sharp-witted Texan Lance Berkman leaves the game he loved after 15 seasons and will be remembered most for his kindness and gift of gab.

Right-handers Jarrod Parker and Sonny Gray will lead an A’s staff that also includes newcomer Scott Kazmir. Righties A.J. Griffin and Dan Straily could very well grab the final two spots, but they’ll have plenty of competition.

Seeking infield depth, namely a backup shortstop, the Reds signed free agent Ramon Santiago to a Minor League contract and invited him to big league camp for Spring Training.

The Cardinals and infielder Daniel Descalso agreed on Wednesday to a 2014 contract for $1.29 million, avoiding arbitration.

Rockies outfield prospect David Dahl appreciates simply being on the field again. Dahl, the Rockies’ No. 1 Draft pick in 2012, was one of several Minor Leaguers the Rockies sent to their training complex in the Dominican Republic this week to begin 10 days of workouts in preparation for Spring Training. For Dahl, it had been a while.

Lance Berkman has decided to retire, he told MLB.com Wednesday afternoon.

It’s been a while since the Red Sox have had a truly enticing position battle in Spring Training. That’s why there will be so many eyes on center field in the coming weeks with what could be a classic battle between the highly touted prospect and the former superstar coming off a barrage of injuries.

The Cubs avoided another arbitration hearing on Wednesday by signing outfielder Justin Ruggiano to a one-year, $2 million contract for 2014.

The Yankees announced on Wednesday the signing of nine players to Minor League contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training, bringing the total number of invitees to 26.

The Reds believe this coming season that one of the hardest plays for an opponent to defend against could be a bunted ball by Billy Hamilton. His quickness and speed make this a pretty sound hypothesis. For this premise to be proven accurate, one very important thing has to happen: the very same Hamilton must perfect the art of bunting first.

Matt Guerrier, who pitched for Minnesota from 2004 to 2010, is the latest former Twin to rejoin the club on a Minor League deal this offseason, joining Jason Kubel and Jason Bartlett.

Major League pitchers, listen up: Wear the padded caps, even if they might look a little bit funny at first.