This is the second of a seven-part Around the Horn series that will take a position-by-position look at the Pirates' projected starters and other options heading into Spring Training. Up next: Middle Infielders

We might not know what species Slider — the Indians' mascot — is, but we do know that the rotund creature that roams Progressive Field is a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame. Now, Slider is up for another honor.

Commissioner Bud Selig's two-year contract extension through the 2014 season was approved on Thursday by Major League Baseball's full ownership at their first joint quarterly meeting of the year.

Third baseman Casey Blake made three trips to the disabled list in 2011 with the Dodgers, but he was effective enough in those brief periods of health to believe he could make a difference for a team in 2012.

As Commissioner Bud Selig was taking bows Thursday after receiving a two-year contract extension, it amazed me that such a devoted baseball purist has enacted more changes to the sport than any of his predecessors. And there are more to come.

Dodgers Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, who rolls through the Southland next week on a promotional tour for his new book, on Thursday was named winner of the 2011 Sportsman of the Year award by the Los Angeles Sports Council.

The Orioles' broadcast crew will have a new addition in 2012, with Thursday's announcement that former player Mike Bordick has been hired by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) as a color analyst.

The Brewers and left-hander Manny Parra struck an agreement on a one-year contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

In many ways, Tim Salmon never had a realistic chance at the Hall of Fame. He never once made an All-Star team, didn't reach 300 home runs in an era packed with lopsided offensive numbers, and besides a Silver Slugger and Rookie of the Year Award, he didn't garner much individual hardware either. But in many ways, Salmon was so much more.

Yoenis Cespedes, a Cuban defector who is applying for residency in the Dominican Republic, has been declared eligible to play in the Dominican Winter League. Cespedes will line up for Aguilas Cibaenas, and he's expected to make his debut Thursday.

The Indians have rolled the dice on another arm, throwing right-hander Chris Ray into the spring mix for an Opening Day bullpen job.

Fans are asked to submit their favorite funny line as the Royals have announced a "Joke of the Day" promotion for the 2012 season.

Early arrivals at the Royals' Spring Training camp will have company this year — the Kia Tigers, 10-time champions of the Korean Baseball Organization.

During Johan Santana's road to recovery from surgery in September 2010, the outlook on his left shoulder has ranged from hopeful to doubtful to hazy to hazier. Now, Santana eyes a triumphant return in 2012.

The students at Ernst Prussing Elementary School knew how far it was for the Cubs to travel from Wrigley Field to games in Atlanta, how to figure a pitcher's ERA, and all about Ron Santo's fight with diabetes.

Cleveland's home ballpark has already been transformed into a winter playground for the organization's Snow Days event, but Sunday will mark the first outdoor college hockey game in the history of Ohio.

Brewers first baseman-to-be Mat Gamel says he is working hard this winter to get in shape for the most important Spring Training of his baseball life.