Hall of Famer Yogi Berra shuffled into the Yankees' clubhouse on Wednesday morning, unofficially marking the true beginning of Spring Training for the club.

Colby Rasmus needed a fresh start. He knew it, the Cardinals knew it and the Blue Jays knew it. Yet Rasmus got that change of scenery last summer, and it didn't have the desired effect. He hit worse in Toronto after his trade to the American League than he ever had as a Cardinal.

Evan Longoria, who will take swings Wednesday to test the recovery of his bruised right hand, is one of several injured Rays players who could soon see game action.

The Brewers made a run for Jimmy Rollins, but wound up with Alex Gonzalez, whom they view as a defensive improvement to help the pitching staff.

The D-backs have scratched Josh Collmenter from his scheduled start Friday due to tightness in his forearm.

Corey Hart had the photographic proof in his locker. He made a wise decision by opting for knee surgery.

Make no mistake: Though the Yankees have done their best to ease the burden on CC Sabathia with the acquisition of Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda, the fact remains that the pressure still sits on CC's broad shoulders.

It's a rare moment. Alex Gordon is sitting in front of his locker in the Royals' clubhouse. Usually he's in the weight room, or swinging in the cages, or running after balls in left field. He's a man in motion, but a very relaxed man in motion.

Josh Byrnes probably didn't cross off every item on his to-do list this offseason, but the Padres' first-year GM hit the ground running and made several moves he believes sets up the club for sustained success.

Jason Motte's bullpen sessions in February look much like they do in July. There is no 80- or 85-percent exertion, none of this talk about taking it slow early.

Oakland outfielder Yoenis Cespedes participated in a simulated game on Wednesday afternoon, and had four hits — including a home run — in five at-bats, manager Bob Melvin said.

It's a 1,754-mile journey from Chicago to Phoenix, a trip general manager Jed Hoyer drove in February, accompanied by his dog, Louie, with plenty of time to come up with ideas on how to make the Cubs winners.

During all those years Ben Cherington got to shadow Theo Epstein — particularly the last couple — he was always preparing for his ultimate promotion. And perhaps that's why Cherington looks so comfortable in his new position as general manager of the Red Sox.

For a franchise that has been defined by stability in the front office for the last 25 years, the dismissal of Twins general manager Bill Smith on Nov. 7 came as a surprise to just about everyone in the Twins organization.

Shortly after the travel squad left the Mets' Spring Training complex at Port St. Lucie, Fla. on Wednesday, Johan Santana marched outside to begin some light work. One day after his first Major League start in 18 months, Santana was planning nothing more significant than a massage.

A little soreness in Anibal Sanchez's right shoulder has caused some concern in Marlins camp but the right-hander is not too worried about it.

Jeff Luhnow had been in baseball for only eight years when the Astros tabbed him to be their 12th general manager last December, but it was his strong player personnel track record with the Cardinals and his previous business successes that impressed ownership.