For all of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments he's endured the past 14 months in his fight against pancreatic cancer, Padres bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds has found that there is but one thing that has truly makes him feel fine and whole. You guessed it: baseball.

As part of a pregame tribute to Gary Carter, each member of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team sported No. 8 jerseys bearing Carter's last name during warmups prior to Sunday's home game against the New Jersey Devils.

A's skipper Bob Melvin is wasting no time in establishing rules and routines that reflect his managing style.

The weather finally cooperated on Sunday, but it was a little too late. The final day of the fifth annual Urban Invitational took place with an open roof at Minute Maid Park.

Nats right-hander Stephen Strasburg arrived at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday and said that he doesn't want to be given any special treatment. He wants to be the guy the team can rely on every fifth day.

Buster Posey used the word "normal" three times to describe his performance during Sunday's initial workout for pitchers and catchers. That might have been the best development of all for the Giants.

Dale Sveum has been waiting for Sunday's first workout for what seems like forever. "It seems like I got hired two years ago," the new Cubs manager said after the first session at Fitch Park in Mesa, Ariz.

This is a big year for the Tribe, which is convinced it can contend for the AL Central crown. Some of that confidence stems from the team's newly added depth.

It's already a given that Felix Hernandez will be the Opening Day pitcher for the Mariners on March 28 in Tokyo against the A's if all goes according to plan, so naturally "The King" was first up on the hill Sunday, as the team took its first live batting practice of camp.

The D-backs accomplished more than most thought they would in 2011, winning 94 games and the National League West. But if they were hoping that as a result this Spring Training would be any easier than last year when they were coming off back-to-back last-place finishes, they will certainly be disappointed.

The Cardinals and catcher Yadier Molina have put discussions about a contract extension on hold after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement during a recent two-week period of talks.

Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler said he is finally recovered from an ankle injury that has bothered him for almost two years. He also has no progress to report about a possible contract extension that would keep him from being a free agent after the 2013 season.

Veteran starter Tim Hudson, who underwent back surgery in November, is hoping to be back on the mound with the Braves in May.

Frustration left over from last season's September collapse has been replaced by renewed optimism as the Braves prepare to officially get Spring Training under way on Monday.

Reds manager Dusty Baker knows the questions are coming about his future and job security. On Sunday before his team's first Spring Training workout for pitchers and catchers, Baker made it clear he would no longer field them.

After passing his physical, veteran pitcher Brett Tomko formally signed a Minor League contract with the Reds on Sunday. He is in Major League camp as a non-roster player and participated in the first workout.

Right-hander Jerome Williams has been perceived as the odds-on favorite for the fifth spot in the Angels' vaunted rotation. But for now, manager Mike Scioscia will call it an "open competition."