Ray Knight, Mel Didier and Steve Rogers had nothing but fond memories when talking about Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, who passed away Thursday from brain cancer at 57.

Gary Carter's death on Thursday sparked emotional reaction from former and current players, coaches and others associated with the sport, who spoke highly of the catcher's passion on the field and compassion off of it.

Gary Carter was ever the optimist — unfailingly cooperative, kind and sunny. But with the tying run at third, his pitchers knew they could throw the filthiest breaking ball in their arsenal and the runner wouldn't score. That's what you need to know.

Twelve years after Tony La Russa and the Cardinals helped give Jim Leyland a chance to stay involved in the game after Leyland's retirement as a manager, the Tigers are returning the nod.

The passing of Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter hit close to home for Astros manager Brad Mills, who was a teammate of Carter's for four seasons with the Montreal Expos, and considered him a friend.

Friday's Urban Invitational has been moved to Minute Maid Park because of impending weather conditions.

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter died Thursday after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Gary Carter passed away on Thursday at the age of 57. Carter, a Hall of Fame catcher, played with the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers during his 19-year career.

Brandon Inge has asked the Tigers for a chance to compete for the one relatively open infield spot — at second base. Manager Jim Leyland revealed the news on Thursday upon his arrival at Joker Marchant Stadium, and said he's going to give Inge his shot.

A proposal for a new $500 million arena that could house NBA and NHL teams just south of Safeco Field in Seattle was met with approval Thursday by the Mariners, who say they'd welcome another sporting neighbor in the Sodo District.

Left-hander Danny Hultzen, the No. 2 overall pick in last year's First-Year Player Draft, has fit easily into the mix with Mariners pitchers in his initial professional experience.

It isn't easy to come up with something that Tommy Lasorda has never seen, but the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame managed to do just that, erecting a statue of Lasorda as part of its annual induction ceremony in La Romana.

Mets pitcher Johan Santana is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday at the club's Spring Training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in what would be his first time toeing the rubber since September.

The Rays have signed catcher Chris Gimenez to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Gary Carter always tried to do the right thing. It was his worst attribute.

At various points this summer, in the heat of the pennant race, Mark Melancon will race to the Fenway Park mound to face a menacing hitter such as Albert Pujols or Alex Rodriguez with the game — and who knows, maybe even the season — on the line.

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez reported to camp in excellent shape, having lost about 10 pounds and looking noticeably thinner as he looks ahead to an early start to the 2012 season.