If Nyjer Morgan could choose between being a professional baseball player and a pro hockey player, he'd choose hockey in a heartbeat.

Billy Butler was the first to admit that he isn't very experienced as a public speaker, so when the Kansas City Royals slugger strode to the podium at Safeco Field on Wednesday to accept the 47th annual Hutch Award for outstanding community service, he helped himself out with a prop.

When a three-time MVP departs, it sure is nice to have a six-time All-Star waiting in the wings to take his spot.

Tuesday's All-Star Workout Day for the Dominican Prospect League gave 44 players a chance to show the 100 Major League scouts and officials scattered across the Boca Chica outfield — many with clipboards and stopwatches in hand — that they possess the skills necessary to one day become a Major Leaguer.

For a White Sox team fighting for a chance to compete, a feeling of togetherness might be as crucial as any powerful cleanup hitter or lockdown eighth-inning reliever.

Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was the team's lone All-Star in 2011 and, according to the Denver chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, he was the team's biggest star all year long.

A clever advertising campaign that hits all the right notes touts a line of automobiles "imported from Detroit." Most of the National League Central is relieved that, in another domestic development, Prince Fielder has been "exported to Detroit."

The Yankees outrighted right-hander Kevin Whelan to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Banner Day has new life, and now an official date. The Mets announced Wednesday that they will revive the tradition of Banner Day prior to their 1:10 p.m. ET game against the Padres at Citi Field on Sunday, May 27.

Astros infielder Angel Sanchez cleared waivers Wednesday and will remain with the club when Spring Training begins later this month as a non-roster invite to camp.

Dan Johnson, whose dramatic pinch-hit homer in the 2011 regular-season finale helped the Rays reach the playoffs, has signed a Minor League contract with the White Sox, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Padres director of baseball operations Josh Stein and several other front-office personnel — including general manager Josh Byrnes — completed a momentous task on Tuesday, when they agreed to terms with pitcher Dustin Moseley, the last of their 11 players who were eligible for salary arbitration.

The Nationals added depth to their bullpen on Wednesday by signing right-hander Chad Durbin to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, according to a baseball source.

Veteran infielder Carlos Guillen, who began his career with the Mariners from 1998-2003, signed a Minor League deal with Seattle on Wednesday that includes an invitation to Major League camp.

Jamey Carroll, who turns 38 on Feb. 18, is seemingly getting better with age, as he's coming off two of the most productive years of his career.

Right-hander Juan Cruz, a valuable member of Tampa Bay's bullpen last season, has been signed to a Minor League contract by the Pirates, a deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

While pitchers and catchers aren't set to report to camp for another few weeks, the Dodgers got an early look at some of their best young arms during their "Young Guns" minicamp.