It seems that all the panic over Mark Teixeira's supposed new bunt-happy, Punch-and-Judy approach to hitting left-handed may have been a bit overblown. It's a good thing, too.

Reds center fielder Drew Stubbs has heard all of the cries from the armchair batting coaches. The directive to bunt more from fans and various media talkers far and wide has filtered down his way.

Management made a commitment to Kemp and Kershaw with lucrative deals this offseason, and it's easy to see why, considering the immense talent of the pair. But why did the players reciprocate to a franchise in flux?

With free agency looming after this season, Phillies lefty Cole Hamels could be in line to become just the sixth pitcher to receive a contract in excess of $100 million.

Tommy Hanson will make his first start of the spring Sunday in a split-squad game against the Blue Jays after throwing his second live batting practice session Thursday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

A former teammate of Zack Greinke's phoned twice on Wednesday. It was a pitch to consider that player's agent, as Greinke is the biggest free-agent-to-be working without representation.

Despite all his setbacks, the latest being back surgery, Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore is more determined than ever before to come back.

Albert Pujols took a long bus ride for the Angels' game against the Indians on Thursday, because he wants to play virtually every day, even in Spring Training.

David Price had to leave Thursday's game against the Tigers an inning early due to a “towel” injury that left him with a stiff neck, which he doesn't believe to be serious.

Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette officially put the kibosh on free agent Johnny Damon landing in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon.

The Astros will make a decision on Friday whether to have a Colt .45 pistol on the retro uniforms they will wear twice this season as part of the club's 50th anniversary.

Manny Ramirez will take a few more days off from game action to rest the sore back that made him a late scratch from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Yoenis Cespedes is only days away from his Oakland debut, as manager Bob Melvin said on Thursday that the outfielder be in the lineup either when the A's play the Reds on Saturday or the Royals on Sunday.

Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper was expected to start against the Astros on Thursday, but was a late scratch because of left calf tightness. He is expected to be out two to three days.

Major League Baseball announced on Thursday the starting nine for its 2012 MLB Fan Cave experience, and now is a good time to get familiar with them because it will be up to fans to decide who will stay there through the season and who will be sent packing.

Yu Darvish caused a bit of a stir following his Cactus League debut Wednesday when he made comments that were viewed by some as not being humble, but Rangers manager Ron Washington wants the right-hander to continue to say what is on his mind.

Marlins president David Samson found himself on Wednesday clarifying some remarks that were reported in Miami Today.