It began as an idea almost three decades ago. A simple idea really, a basic one. Baseball must take care of its own. From that simple, wonderful notion came the Baseball Assistance Team, aka, B.A.T. In the years since, more than $29 million has been collected from various sources.

Commissioner Bud Selig and late MLB Players Association executive director Michael Weiner were among the honorees at the annual “Going to Bat for B.A.T.” Dinner.

At this stage of the offseason, the Red Sox are preparing as if Xander Bogaerts will be their starting shortstop and Will Middlebrooks will be the third baseman. However, things can always change, and general manager Ben Cherington didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of free agent Stephen Drew returning to the team he helped win a World Series in 2013.

The two starting position players who underwent surgery after the World Series are both progressing well, albeit at different speeds. Dustin Pedroia is a little bit ahead of Shane Victorino in the rehab department, but both players are expected to be in the starting lineup when the Red Sox open their season in Baltimore on March 31.

The Astros have stepped up their efforts to take their Winter Caravan to more places around Texas, and on Tuesday they returned to Houston’s City Hall, where the team celebrated its National League pennant nine years ago.

The Phillies and left-hander Antonio Bastardo avoided salary arbitration Tuesday when they agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal.

Justin Maxwell, a lean and strong outfielder obtained at the non-waiver Trade Deadline last year, agreed to a 2014 contract with the Royals on Tuesday.

The Phillies are bringing back another former outfielder. The Phils confirmed on Tuesday that they agreed to a Minor League contract with Bobby Abreu.

Angels slugger Josh Hamilton appeared on MLB Network on Tuesday, sporting some extra weight after an offseason program, the better to navigate a full season in 2014.

The Rockies need not worry. Left-handed reliever Rex Brothers is going to pitch with the same intensity even though the team has re-thought the idea of him as closer.

The Indians haven’t gone to an arbitration hearing with a player since 1991, but there’s a strong possibility they will go to one with pitcher Justin Masterson this year.

As Evan Gattis progressed through his successful rookie season, he quieted some of his critics and quickly realized there was widespread interest in his unique journey, which has allowed him to realize the lifestyle of a valet, ski lift operator and Major League Baseball player.

Ron Washington right now is entering the final year of his contract, but there is precedent for him getting an extension this late in the offseason. It happened in 2012.

Pitchers Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis are coming back from multiple injuries and multiple surgeries, but the early reviews of their comebacks with the Rangers look good.

At the Rangers’ mid-winter pitching camp on Tuesday in chilly Arlington, Nick Tepesch worked on a changeup, a pitch that will be critical to his development as he seeks to earn a spot in Texas’ rotation in 2014.

Red Sox pitchers Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa have been touring Japan with the World Series trophy, and on Tuesday, they met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy.

Most outfielders draw attention by the way they swing the bat. Rays prospect Kevin Kiermaier is an exception to that rule.