As Jose Reyes prepares for his first Spring Training as a Marlin, the former Mets shortstop told the New York Post he's still a bit hurt that the Mets didn't offer him a contract.

Not many people know the true origin of "Super Joe" attached to the new White Sox third-base coach Joe McEwing. For that particular moniker, McEwing can thank Eric Davis and their brief stop together with the Cardinals in 1999.

The Angels and Yankees had the parameters in place for a deal that would've swapped designated hitter Bobby Abreu for starter A.J. Burnett, but talks broke down once Burnett utilized his limited no-trade clause, industry sources confirmed to MLB.com.

There is a level of uncertainty that surrounds each Major League Baseball season, but the Blue Jays feel like they have fewer question marks than one year ago.

The Rangers have had to overcome a series of distractions on their way to two straight American League championships and will again face similar turbulence when camp opens up on Wednesday.

Carlos Zambrano's new beginning is just getting started, and the big right-hander cannot wait to make the most of his opportunity.

Bench production was a strength that the Reds appreciated greatly in 2011. During Spring Training, there should be plenty of jockeying for the precious final spots on the 25-man roster to make up the bench for the 2012 team.

The Wall: Cave finalist loves mascots, tattoos

It was already almost impossible to differentiate between buyers and sellers. Now it's even tougher. The reality is the buildup to the Trade Deadline is better than the actual Trade Deadline itself.

An arbitration panel has ruled in favor of the Pirates in their hearing with Garrett Jones, announcing on Thursday morning its decision that the outfielder/first baseman be paid $2.25 million for the 2012 season.

It's all a matter of balance for Cubs catcher Geovany Soto.

He's working on better balance in his diet, which should help Soto keep off the 25 pounds he dropped this offseason. He's also been working on improving his balance at the plate, and spent the winter focused on his footwork on the advice of hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.

There are plenty of things we can pick up from Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues. With only days remaining until all camps are under way, here's the most important of what we might come away with this spring.

Defense is the most difficult element of the game to quantify and the easiest to overlook. Spectacular plays have a way of masking an otherwise average effort. Gold Gloves are given out largely on the basis of reputation. But we've taken a close look and decided the Rays are the Majors' best defensive team.

Major League Baseball will void the Baltimore Orioles' signing of 17-year-old Korean pitcher Seong-Min Kim due to a breach in protocol, MLB.com has confirmed.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, in his first public interview since his relapse, said he understands that he is never going to be completely "fixed" but must continue to be vigilant in his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Wednesday that it might take outfielder Carl Crawford, who had wrist surgery Jan. 17, "a few weeks into the season" before he's ready to return to action.

Astros owner Jim Crane said Wednesday he plans to renew the personal services contract of team icon Craig Biggio, who has served as a special assistant to the general manager since his retirement following the 2007 season.