Veteran right-hander Jon Garland, who sat out all of last season recovering from a shoulder injury, has agreed to a Minor League contract with the Mariners with an invitation to next week’s Major League camp. Garland’s official signing is pending the results of a physical.

Chris Perez is not afraid to challenge anyone or anything. He’ll spell out exactly what he thinks his organization must do to win, and that’s just who the Indians mercurial closer is.

Chris Perez is not afraid to challenge anyone or anything. He’ll spell out exactly what he thinks his organization must do to win, and that’s just who the Indians mercurial closer is.

On Saturday, the eve of reporting day for Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers, many of the team’s players were already on hand at the club’s player development complex in Goodyear, Arizona. This is where the Tribe will spend the next seven weeks gearing up for what should be an interesting 2013 season.

On Saturday, the eve of reporting day for Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers, many of the team’s players were already on hand at the club’s player development complex in Goodyear, Arizona. This is where the Tribe will spend the next seven weeks gearing up for what should be an interesting 2013 season.

The Pirates had to get creative in their pursuit of free agent Francisco Liriano after the southpaw fractured his non-throwing arm. On Friday, the sides struck a deal that both lowers the club’s risk and gives the former All-Star a chance to earn his market value through incentives.

The Padres announced their 2012 organizational awards winners Friday at their 15th annual awards dinner at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

In a possible reversal of a club policy that shies away from contract extensions before deals are complete, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said on Friday that the team has opened the topic with second baseman Robinson Cano.

The Baltimore Orioles have only one remaining arbitration-eligible player after agreeing to one-year deals with right-handers Jim Johnson and Jason Hammel on Friday.

Despite the flood of national reports on Thursday saying Felix Hernandez and the Mariners had agreed to a seven-year, $175 million contract, both the Mariners and his agency insisted Friday those reports are incorrect and no deal has been finalized.

The D-backs signed second baseman Aaron Hill on Friday to a three-year, $35 million contract extension that will carry him through the 2016 season.

After this season, Barry Zito and the Giants could be involved in an activity they wouldn’t have imagined before last year: Retaining the left-hander for an additional season, or even negotiating an extension with him.

Tim Lincecum delivered his version of an extreme makeover Friday at AT&T Park: Short, neatly groomed hair, recalling the coiffure he sported during his first two Major League seasons. Non-prescription, dark-rimmed eyeglasses straight out of study hall.

Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol appeared at a hearing Friday in the Dominican Republic regarding a domestic abuse case. According to the Dominican newspaper, El Nacional, a judge sent the case to a higher court.

Seeds were planted for the Pirates in 2012. And manager Clint Hurdle’s hope is the harvesting of a winning crop will happen in 2013.

Andrew Bailey arrived at Spring Training as a non-closer for the first time in years, but that hasn’t taken away any of his self-assurance or enthusiasm as he enters his second season with the Red Sox.

Wearing a Red Sox T-shirt and team workout shorts, Pedro Martinez bounced around the facility at JetBlue Park on Friday, eager to begin his new role as special assistant to the general manager.