Gary Brown has speed to burn and is an above-average defender, but he’ll need to prove that he can get on base consistently before earning a spot with the Giants.
O’s, Showalter meeting to discuss extension
Orioles manager Buck Showalter traveled to Baltimore on Friday from his home in Texas to meet with the Orioles about a deal that would extend his contract beyond the 2013 season.
Slow market for Lohse doesn’t mean he’ll come cheap
There are circumstances dragging on the market for Kyle Lohse, particularly the new compensation/draft regulations. But the notion that righty’s continuing presence on the open market means that his services will be purchased relatively cheaply is misguided to the point of being purely mistaken.
Romo cited in incident at Las Vegas airport
Giants right-hander Sergio Romo was cited and briefly detained by police on New Year’s Day at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas after arguing with authorities, according to various reports
Exclusive 300-win club figures to stay that way
The 300-win club — the modern standard of excellence, the landmark upon which a pitcher can safely book a future flight to Cooperstown — seems like a tall order for the current crop of hurlers.
Oliver seeking raise or trade to Rangers
Blue Jays reliever Darren Oliver is considering the possibility of retirement after a 19-year career if Toronto doesn’t raise his salary or trade him to the Rangers.
Swisher signing could change Tribe’s fortunes
The signing of Ohio native Nick Swisher was a critical addition for the Indians, both on and off the field.
Partnership puts Rox at forefront of training science
The Rockies and Sparta Performance Science, a Silicon Valley sports performance company, announced an agreement that will make the club the first pro sports team to install force-plate technology and propriety software as part of the strength-and-conditioning equipment.
Royals ink righty Boyer to Minor League deal
The Royals added some pitching depth on Thursday, signing right-hander Blaine Boyer to a Minor League contract for 2013.
Villarreal shelved by Tigers for rest of winter
The Tigers shut down Brayan Villarreal for the rest of the winter to have him focus on being ready for Spring Training.
Friedman not afraid of doing long-term deals
The Rays signed David Price to a contract for the 2013 season on Tuesday, and on Thursday afternoon, executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed the deal.
Reds’ pitchers, catchers report to camp Feb. 12
Reds fans itching for baseball to return to the forefront now have some dates to circle on their calendars. Pitchers and catchers are slated to report to camp in Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 12. The full squad is scheduled to be on site Feb. 15.
Opening Night to feature new AL West Texas rivalry
The Astros will begin the 2013 season at 7 p.m. CT on March 31 against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park — two days earlier than previously scheduled — to accommodate the game being televised nationally on ESPN’s Opening Night telecast.
Reds investigating multiyear deals for Latos, Bailey
The Reds are starting to focus their attention toward signing their remaining arbitration-eligible players — pitchers Homer Bailey, Mat Latos, Mike Leake, Logan Ondrusek and Alfredo Simon and outfielders Chris Heisey and Shin-Soo Choo — before ever getting close to a hearing.
Deal official, Swisher unveiled by Tribe
On Thursday, the Indians announced that they have signed Nick Swisher to a four-year contract, completing a deal that was agreed upon shortly before Christmas.
Padres schedule FanFest on Feb. 9 at Petco Park
The Padres announced on Thursday that FanFest presented by State Farm will return to Petco Park on Feb. 9.
Rangers add experienced righty Frasor to bullpen
The Rangers have singed reliever Jason Frasor, who has spent the bulk of his nine-year big league career with Toronto, to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.