Last season did not go as planned for Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis. His winter training program then hit a snag last month when he injured the ring finger on his left hand during a workout, necessitating corrective surgery. Even with the wave of setbacks experienced by Kipnis over the past nine months, Indians manager Terry Francona’s confidence in Kipnis has not wavered.

The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) is in its 30th year of providing a means of support to qualified applicants and their families who have nowhere else to turn, helping those within the extended baseball family who have financial, psychological or physical burdens. The organization is now especially focused on educating its own ranks.

The Reds know that they are on the clock when it comes to getting a long-term contract extension done with Johnny Cueto. What are the odds that it will happen for the rotation ace? General manager Walt Jocketty was not willing to speculate.

Every season is sacred, for every team. The clock never stops ticking. Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was right to say that when he arrived in Chicago three years ago. But he didn’t say fans should expect instant gratification, even if it’s what they always seem to want. That’s something fans of all clubs should heed, as the amount of talent that will be available over the next two years is staggering.

The calendar has officially flipped to 2015. We’re always future-looking here at MLBPipeline.com, so we’re more than happy to look ahead to the 2015 season and beyond. With that in mind, this week’s Pipeline Inbox includes discussions on a number of players who could be coming to a big league ballpark near you soon.

Ryan Franklin planned to put baseball in the rear view when he retired in 2011. Instead, he’s found a niche in the Cardinals’ front office.

Though John Farrell won’t submit a lineup card in a regular-season game until April 6, the manager already has a pretty good idea of the way he plans on slotting his Red Sox players. In a radio interview with WEEI on Thursday night, Farrell revealed that he’s leaning toward putting Hanley Ramirez in the cleanup spot.

Cuban right-handed pitching prospect Yoan Lopez has been cleared by United States government and is expected to sign with a Major League team before the start of Spring Training, according to industry an source.

Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth will have arthroscopic surgery on his right AC joint Friday. He will be out two to three months. The club did not confirm that the procedure was being done.

Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth will have arthroscopic surgery on his right AC joint Friday. He will be out two to three months. The club did not confirm that the procedure was being done.

No club is looking forward to getting to Spring Training and turning the page more than the Reds. So far there’s every reason to think it’ll be a new season in both tone and substance.

No club is looking forward to getting to Spring Training and turning the page more than the Reds. So far there’s every reason to think it’ll be a new season in both tone and substance.

The Dodgers announced the signing of one-time closer Sergio Santos to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Thursday.

The Dodgers announced the signing of one-time closer Sergio Santos to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Thursday.

The Angels acquired third-base prospect Kyle Kubitza and right-hander Nate Hyatt from the Braves for pitching prospect Ricardo Sanchez on Thursday.

The Angels acquired third-base prospect Kyle Kubitza and right-hander Nate Hyatt from the Braves for pitching prospect Ricardo Sanchez on Thursday.

Add outfielder Drew Stubbs to the long list of players who found new life in high altitude. Stubbs joined the Rockies last winter in a trade with the Indians, and re-established himself as a right-handed-hitting option in the outfield. After three straight seasons hitting below .250 — the first two with the Reds — Stubbs hit .289 with 15 home runs and 43 RBIs, and posted career-best on-base (.339) and slugging (.482) percentages.