Luke Hochevar sounds ready to go, ready for the season to start. Or at least ready for Spring Training to launch.

Alex Rodriguez says that his offseason workouts are going well and that he plans to do most of his work helping the Yankees in the field, not as a designated hitter.

The Triple Crown has long been the standard of a dominant season, and it's now time to reconsider which stats are used for the mythical award.

The name atop this year's Top 10 catching prospects list is the same as in 2011, but the team isn't. The biggest offseason prospect splash happened recently, with Jesus Montero going from the Yankees to the Mariners.

The allegation that the Indians pitcher known as Fausto Carmona falsified his identity years ago to increase his value as a prospect is surprising but far from unprecedented.

Playing through pain is a common occurrence at D-backs Fantasy Camp, where the trainer's room is often the most crowded place in the clubhouse.

Reigning National League Most Valuable Player Ryan Braun, who faces a 50-game suspension after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone late last season, pleaded his case Thursday before a three-member panel, according to a report.

The Rockies agreed to pick up the $4.25 million 2013 option on the contract of closer Rafael Betancourt and added a club option for 2014, the club said Thursday.

The Rockies call Juan Nicasio's progress since fracturing a vertebra a miracle. The next gigantic step comes next week. Nicasio will return to the Dominican Republic on Monday and shortly thereafter will face hitters at the complex without the protection of a screen.

The first leg of the 52nd annual Twins Winter Caravan concluded on Thursday with a question-and-answer session at the Grand International Hotel, and all involved hailed the trip a major success.

The Indians were blindsided by Thursday's news that the pitcher known to date as Fausto Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false identity. Cleveland is now scrambling to determine how to handle the situation.

The A's are reportedly on the verge of adding yet another veteran to their outfield mix in right-handed-hitting Jonny Gomes.

David Ortiz arrived at the Boston Baseball Writers' Dinner not knowing how much money he will make in 2012, but with the knowledge that he'll be back for a 10th season of driving in runs for the Red Sox.

Justin Verlander said he hasn't heard back from Taco Bell since he referenced the fast-food chain last week on "Conan" as his pre-start ritual of choice. That would make the folks at Taco Bell among the few that haven't had something to ask Verlander this offseason.

With Yu Darvish in the fold and set to be introduced at a news conference on Friday, the Rangers can now focus on addressing some questions that still remain unanswered.

The Royals' 9:05 p.m. CT launch on April 6 at Anaheim will mark the eighth night opener in their 44 seasons.

Josh Reddick came back to Massachusetts on Thursday night to be honored as the Red Sox's Rookie of the Year for 2011. In an otherwise comfortable return, the only wrinkle was that Boston is no longer his hometown during baseball season.