Nathan Eovaldi glanced over toward his new locker neighbor at Yankees camp, Aroldis Chapman, and remarked that it had to be the first time that he’d ever been assigned next to someone who throws harder than he does.

John Danks has an interesting theory concerning the White Sox, as Spring Training officially begins with pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch.

Dylan Bundy and Hunter Harvey, the Orioles’ top two pitching prospects, are hoping to put injuries behind them in 2016.

Craig Counsell’s first Spring Training as a Major League manager happens to coincide with a Presidential election, but he didn’t plan any stump speeches.

As pitchers and catchers report for their physical exams on Friday to officially kick off the start of Spring Training, it won’t take long for the over-riding theme of the Mariners’ new campaign to come to the fore.

Enough with the formalities, the endless long toss and the physical exams. Spring Training is here, finally, with the Mets’ first official workout on Friday morning. General manager Sandy Alderson said earlier this week that he hasn’t been this excited about a team in years, and looking around the back fields of the Mets’ complex, it’s easy to see why.

The Blue Jays have signed catcher Tony Sanchez to a Minor League contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training.

Coming off last season, the Marlins were eager to make a culture change. The organization remained committed to its core players, but placed the dugout in the hands of a proven leader and winner. The Don Mattingly Era officially launched on Friday as the Marlins opened Spring Training with pitchers and catchers workouts at Roger Dean Stadium.

A few weeks ago, Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy came to a realization. He could remain miserable about the prospect of playing for a team in the throes of a rebuilding effort, or he could make the most of it.

Led by 2015 American League Rookie of the Year Award winner Carlos Correa, the shortstop position is flush with premium young talent. Fantasy owners may wish to invest heavily in this typically underwhelming position, as the talented youngsters could achieve sizable separation from the players in the lower tiers.

It is time for Spring Training, the most conversational portion of the baseball calendar. There is time, there is access, it is a good season for speaking with other human beings. With that in mind, let’s examine four former managers that will be missed.

After extending their rebuilding process with a couple more significant changes this offseason, the Braves are looking forward to the opportunity to start anew with a different cast of characters who will attempt to push the organization toward the better days that should lie ahead.

The analytical folks may have doubts about the Royals. The Royals, however, believe in themselves.

It hung out in the dugout.

Who doesn’t love confidence? All it means is that you believe in yourself and your teammates and your franchise. You believe the vibe is right for a special season. So go for it, Adrian Gonzalez. You believe in your Dodgers. Who else has confidence?

On Friday, for the first time, the Grapefruit League will hold a Media Day in Fort Myers, Fla., and MLB.com will be on the scene. Commissioner Rob Manfred will take the podium at 4:30 p.m. ET, and among the topics likely to be discussed are the “takeout slide” rule at second base, protective netting around home plate and the future of the designated hitter in the National League.

Here is one player to watch for each team this Spring Training who could be critical to his club’s success during the 2016 season.