Tommy Hanson was hesitant when Braves Minor League physical therapist Troy Jones suggested that he alter his awkward delivery. But after thinking about it for a couple months, Hanson returned to Turner Field during the early days of January and told pitching coach Roger McDowell that he wanted to make the change.

When the Mariners traded Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero, all the immediate talk focused on the gamble of dealing away a promising pitcher for the young Yankees catcher. But Seattle added an arm in that deal as well, with right-hander Hector Noesi expected to challenge for a rotation spot this spring.

Yoenis Cespedes on Monday agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract with Oakland, citing the reputation of A's general manager Billy Beane and the direction of the franchise among the reasons he chose the A's.

For months, the Marlins made it clear they wanted to sign Yoenis Cespedes, the 26-year-old Cuban outfielder. The Marlins also understood there were risks involved. On Monday, the A's agreed to terms on a four-year, $36 million deal with Cespedes.

In a surprising conclusion to the Yoenis Cespedes sweepstakes, the Cuban outfielder agreed Monday to a four-year, $36 million contract with the A's, according to sources.

All four teams in the American League West are thinking big and, moving under the cover of darkness, making bold strikes when it is least expected.

The Brewers took their arbitration case against Jose Veras all the way to the hearing room, according to the Associated Press.

Spring Training is the first chapter of a new season. With camps beginning to open across Florida and Arizona, here are some of the teams with the more interesting plot lines we'll be following:

Just six seasons into his career, Dustin Pedroia has accumulated enough accolades and honors and statistics that rank high enough among the leaderboards to solidify a top-level place among the current game's elite offensive second basemen.

The last time Washington won a pennant was in 1933. Baseball would love nothing more than for Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and the Nationals to give the sport and the town something to shout about.

On Monday, the Indians and pitcher Jon Garland were reportedly working on a Minor League contract that would include an invitation to attend Spring Training. The Indians have not confirmed that they are near a deal with Garland.

The Wall: Who's the best 3B in MLB?

As a wise man once said, you can't start a fire without a spark. And when it comes to igniting conversation among fans of Major League Baseball, nothing sets the spark so much as an entirely subjective, definitely debatable list.

By Richard Justice's count, 14 teams could win the World Series, and there wouldn't be an eyebrow raised. Money still matters, but he writes that teams with smarts and youth can go all the way.

The Mariners already set up camp over the weekend. This week, everyone else joins them, with their tent stakes, sleeping bags and World Series dreams in tow.

Felix Hernandez may only be 25, but the Mariners ace is ancient in terms of Seattle seniority on a pitching staff that took the field Sunday to kick off Spring Training.

The Yankees and Pirates are continuing discussions about a trade that would end right-hander A.J. Burnett's turbulent tenure in pinstripes.