Kendrys Morales, the Angels slugger recovering from a broken left ankle, has completed two days of making cuts along the outfield, which represents the second-to-last phase of his running program.

Nearly all the talk in the Yankees' clubhouse early Wednesday morning was centered on comments made by Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.

As his teammates trickled back into the clubhouse following Wednesday's workout, Reese Havens sat quietly in front of his locker. Havens had not participated in the morning's activities.

Back in 1973, it was almost unfathomable to Tommy Harper that he could be closing in on an all-time team record for stolen bases. The left fielder was in his second season with the Red Sox at that time and just trying to focus on his job during a time when the racial climate was difficult at Fenway Park.

Jordan Schafer understands the opportunity he has in Houston. It's a young team that's rebuilding and provides fertile ground for young players like Schafer to show what they can do.

Jason Varitek, long defined by his leadership and toughness, will announce his retirement on Thursday at a news conference at 5:30 p.m ET, making him that rare player in this era who spent his entire career with one team.

Rangers manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux met with Alexi Ogando on Wednesday before his workout. One topic was the need to pitch inside.

Catcher Mike Napoli counted seven. That is how many different pitches Yu Darvish threw during his third live batting practice session on Wednesday.

Michael Young has been taking grounders at shortstop lately. He may play there on Thursday in the first intra-squad game if Elvis Andrus is still sidelined with a bad left heel.

An optimistic Freddie Freeman was moving around the Braves' clubhouse a little better Wednesday morning and expressing little concern about his right knee injury.

He'll still answer to Mike Stanton. But when he is formally introduced, the Marlins right fielder will be announced during games by his actual name — Giancarlo Stanton. He also will be referred to as Giancarlo on the scoreboard and by the team.

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has suffered a setback in his rehab following left Achilles surgery.

All the controversy that has surrounded Carlos Zambrano in recent years is being pushed to the side. With the Marlins, the slate is clean.

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has been encouraged by his first five days in camp, as he's yet to suffer any setbacks or miss any workouts due to concussion-like symptoms.

A.J. Burnett is bound for Pittsburgh, where on Thursday he will undergo additional medical examinations on his right eye.

Luke Scott called the final night of the 2011 season “the greatest night in baseball history,” and that seems to be the general sentiment among fans and players alike.

The Cardinals and catcher Yadier Molina reportedly have agreed to terms on a multiyear extension and an announcement appears to be imminent.