The Brewers had enough interest in 19-year-old Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada to send a slew of scouts and front-office officials to Florida last month for a private workout, but now that Moncada is clear to sign in the Majors, the consensus at Miller Park is that he is likely to land in one of baseball’s bigger markets.

The truck driver has his own overlooked but important role in the Major League universe. His job is both ceremonial and substantial. He’s the groundhog who, on an annual basis, doesn’t see his shadow. It is a credit to him that spring always arrives on time. Ed Fisher has handled the honor for the Indians for each of the last eight seasons.

Jonathan Mayo discusses the battle for the No. 1 spot the Top 100 Prospects rankings between Byron Buxton and Kris Bryant, who No. 101 would be and more in this week’s Pipeline Inbox.

Some of the most interesting moves this offseason were made by teams that didn’t dominate the headlines. That’s where this stuff gets interesting, because we may look back six months from now and appreciate their work in different ways.

For the second time in four years, Victor Martinez has suffered a major knee injury during offseason workouts. This one doesn’t appear to be as severe, but it’ll put at least the start of his season in question. The Tigers announced Thursday that Martinez has torn the medial meniscus in his left knee.

Brooks Orton hit a two-run homer run in the sixth inning and a two-run single in the ninth to lift St. Mary’s past Arkansas Tech, 10-5, on Thursday during the 2015 Houston Winter Invitational at Minute Maid Park.

The Padres Caravan will take place starting Friday and will see players, coaches, executives, broadcasters and staff traveling around San Diego County volunteering, meeting with fans and visiting with military and first responders.

Instead of going year to year with recently acquired lefty Wade Miley, the Red Sox signed the starting pitcher to a three-year, $19.25 million deal on Thursday that includes a club option for 2018.

Delmon Young could have more of a role this season with the Orioles. And he will be preparing for it this spring as Young has asked to play right field in Minor League games when he doesn’t make the O’s scheduled trips.

Twins right fielder Torii Hunter appeared on MLB Network’s Hot Stove on Thursday and he discussed a wide variety of topics, including his role as a clubhouse leader and his future in baseball after the 2015 season.

The Phillies need to inject more youth into their system, so they have not stopped trying to trade Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and others. Of course, there are other ways to add youth. They could take a run at Cuban free agent Yoan Moncada, who is a highly regarded 19-year-old middle infielder.

When the White Sox were pursuing Zach Duke, who became the first of this team’s eight offseason impact moves via a three-year, $15 million deal, Duke was told by general manager Rick Hahn that Hahn was committed to making the South Siders a contender in the near future. Hahn went as far as to put forth a few offseason targets in his sights.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty is certainly aware of the long odds to keep ace Johnny Cueto in Cincinnati beyond 2015. But Jocketty maintained on Thursday that the team has not given up hope.

Until the Tigers get a more definitive diagnosis next week on how long Victor Martinez will need to recover from surgery, they’re keeping their options open. As team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski put it Thursday, “I don’t know what I need to fill.”

The spring before the Draft can be full of excitement and pressure for amateur players hoping to be selected by a Major League organization. Those in the discussion for top of the first round face even more scrutiny as June approaches. MLB.com will be following Brendan Rodgers, ranked No. 1 on MLB.com’s Top 50 Draft Prospects list, throughout the process.

The James Shields saga looks like it will come to a conclusion soon, and MLB.com’s Jim Duquette has a breakdown of the five clubs most likely to land the right-hander’s services.

Cesar Valdez pitched seven solid innings Thursday, leading Venezuela to a 6-2 victory to remain undefeated in tournament play after three games.