MLB Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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March 15

Foxsports.com

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"The absence of news in the Twins' negotiations with catcher Joe Mauer should not be misinterpreted. The talks, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions, "are not stalled by any means." The sides continue to talk and negotiate, the source said. Opening Day — the likely deadline for Mauer, who is a free agent at the end of the season — is still three weeks away."

Blue Jays reportedly have 4-year, $10M deal with Hechevarria

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March 15

SportingNews.com

"The Toronto Blue Jays have reached a four-year, $10-million deal with Cuban shortstop Adeinys Hechevarria, according to several reports. GM Alex Anthopoulos wouldn't comment on reports Sunday that the team was close to signing Hechevarria."

Albert Pujols for Ryan Howard? Tony La Russa calls rumor 'abusive'

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March 15

USA Today

"St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa calls the trade rumor "abusive" and "disrupts the players," according to USA TODAY's Steve DiMeglio. More after the jump. It doesn't take much to send the online world into a frenzy these days, and ESPN's Buster Olney lobbed a trade-rumor grenade into the blogosphere with his report that the Philadelphia Phillies have had internal discussions about a swap of first basemen, sending Ryan Howard to the St. Louis Cardinals for Albert Pujols. Other than the fact that both of these guys are likely headed to the Hall of Fame, one is regarded as the best hitter in the game right now and the other has the brand appeal to share air time with Jared from ..."

Derek Jeter's 'heir' headed to Jays instead

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March 15

New York Post

"Cuban refugee shortstop Adeinis Hechavarria is going to get more money than the $8 million Jose Iglesias received from the Red Sox, The Post has learned. However, it won't be from the Yankees. And that fact has nothing to do with the Yanks not wanting to spend the money on Hechavarria. According to an industry source, Hechavarria is close to signing a $10 million deal with the Blue Jays -- because he doesn't envision himself playing short for the Yankees. Hechavarria, 21, was leery of Derek Jeter's impending extension, which will keep the Yankee captain at short for the foreseeable future. Having seen Hechavarria work out often in the Dominican Republic, the Yankees were high on the ..."

If someone calls, Eyre would consider pitching again

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March 15

Philadelphia Daily News

"On a day when the Phillies' lack of healthy and proven lefthanded relievers moved closer to center stage, Scott Eyre rejoined the team. Well, sort of. Eyre, who had a 1.50 earned run average in 42 games as a lefty bullpen specialist for the Phillies last year, was at Ed Smith Stadium to participate in a postgame radio show hosted by team publicity director John Brazer. Bothered by bone chips in his elbow late in the season, the 37-year-old didn't sign a contract last winter. But he hasn't announced his retirement, either. Hmmmm . . . "I'm not against [a comeback] completely," Eyre said with a laugh during a break in the show. "Somebody would have to call me. But my elbow feels good. I ..."

Jays close to signing Cuban shortstop

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March 15

Toronto Star

"The Jays are close to signing 21-year-old Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria for a $10 million (U.S.) bonus that would tie him to the team for four years, according to George King in Sunday's edition of the New York Post. The free-spending Yankees were considered frontrunners for the shortstop but, according to King, Hechavarria's mind was changed because of the reported contract extension being negotiated by New York captain Derek Jeter. "Especially when it comes to free agents, whether they're Latin American or real free agents, opportunity is a big component of it," a vague and non-committal Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos explained while refusing to confirm his interest in the ..."

Phillies GM Amaro denies swap talks

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March 14

ESPN.com

"It's the sort of thing that is much more likely to happen in fantasy baseball than in real life, but according to sources, an idea has been kicked around the Phillies' organization internally, with discussions about proposing a swap of slugger Ryan Howard for St. Louis superstar Albert Pujols. It's not fully clear whether the Phillies actually have approached the Cardinals with the idea, and even if St. Louis were to seriously consider such an offer, executives with the Cardinals would have to swallow very hard before dealing Pujols, a player widely regarded as the best in the sport."

Cuban SS Hechavarria will pass on Yankees for Blue Jays

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March 14

New York Post

"The Post has learned Adeinis Hechavarria is going to get more money than the $8 million Jose Iglesias Iglesias got from the Red Sox. However, it won't be from the Yankees. And it has nothing to do with the Yankees not wanting to spend the money on the Cuban refugee shortstop. According to an industry source Hechavarria is close to signing a $10 million deal with the Blue Jays because he didn't envision himself playing short for the Yankees. Hechavarria, 21, was leery of Derek Jeter's impending extension that will keep him at short for the foreseeable future."

MacPhail "less confident" about Roberts

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March 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles officially have stopped denying their concern about the Brian Roberts situation. Andy MacPhail said today that he already had instructed his major league scouts to begin scouring for alternatives in case Roberts is not ready to play on Opening Day. "We're already started the process of lining up whatever options we need, depending on how long we think he's going to be out,'' MacPhail said. "Every day that goes by you have to be less confident because that's one less day to get at-bats and repetitions.""

Red Sox ace sidelined with undisclosed illness

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March 14

MLB.com

"Josh Beckett will not be making his scheduled start on Sunday against the Twins, his turn scratched because of illness.No details about the nature of his illness were available this morning. The Red Sox ace was slated to make his third start of the Grapefruit League season."

Olsen is getting closer, but he's not there yet

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March 14

Washington Post

"Scott Olsen still plans on being ready for the first week of the regular season, which for him mattered most Saturday after his second preseason start. "My arm's still attached," Olsen said. "Nothing broke today." In the Nationals ninth consecutive loss to begin spring training, Olsen started and allowed one run on four hits and no walks in three innings. More important than the results, Olsen felt he took another step forward in his recovery from last year's shoulder surgery. His fastball zipped at 88 miles per hour, an upgrade from his first start. "I'm getting there," Olsen said. "I'm real close. I don't know how close, but I think I'm real close. Maybe another start and another couple ..."

Roberts slated to see back specialist

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March 14

MLB.com

"Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was scheduled to fly to Baltimore on Sunday night to be evaluated by back specialist Dr. Lee Riley of The John Hopkins Hospital on Monday. Roberts, who partook in infield practice prior to Sunday afternoon's game, insisted his visit to Riley is not a setback, but a more aggressive approach in treating a slightly herniated disc, an injury suffered during offseason workouts at the Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona. "I feel fine doing [infield] sort of stuff," Roberts said. "I still have a little bit of discomfort in certain areas and in certain ways, so those are the kinds of things that we're just going to check and make sure that we don't need ..."

Anyone For Jermaine Dye?

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March 13

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Jermaine Dye hit 27 HR last season. That's tied for 37th most home runs among players in either league last year, one less than Joe Mauer and one more than Justin Upton. And he has no job. Joe Pawlikowski did a good job breaking down why Dye doesn't have a job on FanGraphs . To recap for the lazy, he had a terrible second half and his defense is utter excrement. Basically, Dye's a DH or nothing. Problem is, AL teams have generally sorted out their DH slots. It seems like everyone has some version of the big dude with bad knees and a boppin' bat. Dye's on his last legs, so he's probably best used on a one-year contract for a team that needs just a little more offense to contend. Sure, he'd ..."

Greg Olson makes pitch for John Smoltz to join Twins

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March 13

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Will John Smoltz be closing games for the Minnesota Twins, the team that beat the Braves, and the longtime Brave righthander, in a grueling Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Maybe. At least if Smoltz's friend and former battery mate in Atlanta has his wish. Former Braves catcher Greg Olson, who now lives in Minnesota, text messaged Smoltz after learning Twins closer Joe Nathan would undergo surgery to repair an elbow ligament, according to an article posted on the Pioneer Press Web site. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way, according to the article. Olson has not heard back from the Atlanta resident, who, at 42, is an ..."

Tejada, 20, could be kid to fill void for Mets

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March 13

New York Post

"As Jose Reyes gets his prescribed rest, Ruben Tejada's days as a virtually anonymous figure in the Mets' clubhouse are over. Tejada arrived in camp as a highly regarded prospect whom the Mets wanted to get a feel about. He could leave as the Opening Day shortstop. It's Tejada and veteran Alex Cora battling for that spot while the Mets wait for Reyes' increased thyroid levels to drop. That could take anywhere from another week to almost two months. "I feel sad for Jose because he is a great player and a big part of this team," Tejada said yesterday. "But if I get the opportunity, I will be happy and willing to do the best I can for the team.""

Fransisco Liriano may replace Joe Nathan as Twins Closer

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March 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Asked this week what he would look for in a closer if Joe Nathan ends up out for the season, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire mentioned two things: the ability to get strikeouts in big situations and the mental fortitude to handle the pressures that come with protecting slim leads and quickly forgetting blown saves. Among Minnesota's in-house candidates, there is one pitcher who has excelled in one of those areas as much as he's faltered in the other. Francisco Liriano is pitching for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but the Twins have a bevy of starters to choose from, and the left-hander's wicked slider is seemingly restored to its 2006 glory. So, could Liriano be an enticing ..."

Speculation about Mauer trade premature

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March 12

MLB.com

"As the start of the 2010 season draws closer, and Joe Mauer remains unsigned beyond this season, the concern from Twins fans over the catcher's future will likely continue to grow. The expectation all winter has been that the Twins will re-sign Mauer to a long-term contract extension. Yet there has been little news regarding the catcher's contract status in recent weeks. Neither side is speaking publicly about the negotiations, so not much is known about the status of those talks or what the Twins may be offering Mauer in either years or dollars. There still appears to be a sense of optimism that a deal between the two sides will get done. But as Opening Day approaches and no deal is in ..."

Could Minnesota Twins turn to John Smoltz?

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March 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Greg Olson, a former Minnesota Twins and Gophers catcher from Edina, caught for John Smoltz for four seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Following Twins closer Joe Nathan's debilitating elbow ligament injury this week, Olson text-messaged Smoltz. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way. As of this morning, Olson hasn't heard back from Smoltz, who is 42 and an unsigned free agent following a split season between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals last year. Olson and Smoltz are pals. Olson figures Smoltz still can get hitters out. "He's still able to throw hard with real good command," Olson said. "He's still got pop on ..."

Cubs, Piniella unsure of 2011 managerial plans

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March 12

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella has not decided whether to come back in 2011, and the Cubs haven't decided whether he will be invited back. While Piniella has opened the door a crack to his return, it doesn't appear that the Cubs are willing to let him walk right in. "If he feels well and wants to keep going, we'll have an interesting conversation," Cubs president Crane Kenney said Thursday. "He's done a great job. He's raised the bar and that's a little bit of the burden we all carry now. "As I tell everybody in our organization, it's a lot better than being picked to finish fourth or fifth and having everybody talk about failure all the time." Photo: Lou Piniella's future with the Cubs beyond this ..."

Cubs, Piniella in 'interesting conversation' without speaking directly

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March 12

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella said he doesn't want his status to be a distraction for the Cubs as he enters the final year of his four-year contract. But management hasn't exactly made Piniella feel as though he's wanted back, which could affect his thinking come October. The latest twist in the ongoing saga occurred Thursday when Cubs President Crane Kenney was asked if the organization wanted Piniella to return in 2011. "If he feels well and wants to keep going, we'll have an interesting conversation," Kenney said. "He has done a great job. He has raised the bar and that's a little bit of the burden we all carry now. "As I tell everybody in our organization, it's a lot better than being picked to finish ..."

Could Twins trade Mauer?

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March 12

New York Post

"With an expected contract extension still not signed, the Twins may have to trade AL MVP Joe Mauer, a Minnesota columnist speculates. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune writes, "Mauer's hesitancy to accept a record-setting contract offer from his hometown team has made his signing less than a sure thing and raised this previously unthinkable question: 'Won't the Twins have to trade him if he refuses their best offer?' " Souhan does continue to say a deal "is still more likely than not, and at any moment Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, could call the team and make it happen." However, Souhan says without a new contract, and Mauer in the last year of his current deal, "a combination of modern ..."

Ruben Tejada could be New York Mets shortstop on Opening Day in Jose Reyes' absence

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March 12

New York Daily News

"The Opening Day shortstop for the Mets? With Jose Reyes expected to open the season on the disabled list, it very well could be Ruben Tejada. The 20-year-old middle infielder hit .289 with five homers and 46 RBI in 488 at-bats with Double-A Binghamton last season. He suggested he wouldn't be overwhelmed. "It's baseball," Tejada said. "Everywhere I play the game normal. I'm ready for everything." The alternative is Alex Cora, although Jerry Manuel appears to prefer going with the rookie - at least if he shows he can handle it the next three weeks of spring training. Neither GM Omar Minaya nor Manuel mentioned Anderson Hernandez as an option. A trade may not make sense given that Reyes could ..."

Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero.

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March 12

Arizona Republic

"The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't ready to admit it, but right-hander Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero. As of now, it's unclear how much time Webb might miss. But replacing a Cy Young contender, of course, is virtually impossible. Mentally getting over his loss might not be easy, either. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said throughout the off-season that the return of Webb was tantamount to a big-ticket free-agent acquisition. Right-hander Dan Haren said last month that the Diamondbacks "will probably go as far as (Webb) takes us." Even General Manager Josh Byrnes spoke strongly in December about Webb's importance, saying, "I don't think there's ..."

Rockies' Helton gets 2-year, $9 million contract extension

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March 11

Denver Post

"Todd Helton is the face of the Rockies' face. Now, they will have a chance to grow wrinkled together. The greatest player in franchise history has set himself up to retire as a Rockie — the only team he's ever played for — after signing a two-year, $9.9-million contract extension and agreeing to defer $13.1 million of the remaining money owed him. "We view him in the same way as a Cal Ripken, George Brett and Tony Gwynn. He's a Rockie, and a Hall of Famer we believe," general manager Dan O'Dowd said today. "We felt like a player of this caliber and what he means to us that this is something we didn't want to take to the end. And he was so open-minded it working with us. It was something ..."

Alex Rodriguez, feds work on scheduling meeting

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March 11

Bergen Record

"Lawyers for Alex Rodriguez are working toward getting the slugger together with federal investigators seeking information on a Canadian doctor suspected of distribution of human growth hormone. "My attorneys are working with authorities right now on scheduling issues," A-Rod said Wednesday morning at Yankees camp. "And I intend to cooperate in this matter.' A-Rod would not answer specific questions about Dr. Tony Galea, who told The Associated Press that he treated Rodriguez with anti-inflammatory medication, not HGH, following A-Rod's hip surgery 12 months ago. Rodriguez did not know where or when federal investigators would meet with him. "I'm hoping that it's here," Rodriguez said. "The ..."

'Substantive' talks on Beckett deal

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March 11

ESPN.com

"There have been "substantive discussions" between the Red Sox and pitcher Josh Beckett regarding a contract extension, with both sides aiming toward completing a deal before the start of the regular season, according to a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations. "There is time before the end of spring training to do a deal, and he's the kind of guy that doesn't let this get in the way of [his preparation for the season]," the source said. Beckett is in the last year of a three-year, $30 million deal. The benchmark in negotiations would seem to be the five-year, $82.5 million deal the Red Sox gave to free agent John Lackey when they signed him this winter."

Thyroid gland may be good indicator for human growth hormone use

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March 11

New York Daily News

"Major League Baseball may not have a urine test to detect human growth hormone, but signs that the drug is being used might be lurking right under the players' noses - specifically in their necks, where the thyroid gland is located. Anti-doping experts have long wondered whether abnormal levels of thyroid hormones can indicate doping. At least one clinical study has linked HGH injections to fluctuations in thyroid hormones, and it's clear that the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 have become popular among bodybuilders - often a reliable indicator of what doping methods are on the horizon for pro sports. Gary Wadler, an associate professor of medicine at New York University and an adviser to the ..."

Cubs don't expect Nady at 100 percent till June

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March 11

Chicago Tribune

"Xavier Nady is not expected to be able to play the outfield regularly until June, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said after Wednesday's game. Until then, the Cubs will have to rely on Nady as a pinch-hitter and occasional fill-in in left and right fields. Piniella said the Cubs will have to be cautious with Nady in the early going because of the "cold weather, (and) the fact that when you come off that Tommy John surgery, it takes a certain amount of time" to come back. "That's why trainer (Mark O'Neal) clings to around the first of June before we can put him out there on a more regular basis," Piniella said. Nady, who made his Cubs debut as a designated hitter Wednesday, signed a one-year ..."

Vazquez thinks he's out

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March 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Is Ramon Vazquez history with the Pirates? He certainly seems to think so, even though his $2 million salary for 2010 is guaranteed and the team would have to pay all of it if he is released. "They told me I'm not on the team right now," the Pirates' veteran utility infielder said, visibly displeased after a 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night at McKechnie Field. "If I don't do well enough, I'm going to be gone. I don't know what that means, if that's a trade or what. I'm playing for myself right now. All I know is that I feel really good health-wise for the first time in a long time, and I'm ready for whatever happens." Vazquez showed that good feeling by going 2 for 2 ..."

Yankees star Alex Rodriguez says meeting with feds coming soon

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March 10

Newark Star-Ledger

"As Alex Rodriguez briefed reporters on Wednesday morning about his upcoming interview with federal investigators, the cell phone sitting on the top shelf of his locker buzzed. "Is that them?" an observer asked. Rodriguez, who has maintained that he's at peace with the matter, let out a laugh. Not them. Still, he expects for his meeting with federal agents investigating a controversial doctor suspected of breaking anti-doping laws to take place soon. "I think sooner rather than later," said Rodriguez, whose attorneys have been working over the last few days to schedule a sit down. "I don't want to say exactly when but they're having healthy talks and we're going to address this." Rodriguez ..."

Jose Reyes confirmed to have overactive thyroid, will remain in New York to await treatment

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March 10

New York Daily News

"Upon further review, Jose Reyes has an overactive thyroid. Still, Mets fans likely don't need to panic about losing the shortstop's services. A New York City expert, Dr. Leonard M. Freeman, indicated that most cases of hyperthyroidism are easily treated with radioactive iodine. Assuming Reyes has the common type of hyperactivity, known as Graves' disease, his availability for Opening Day should not be in question, Freeman added. However, it could be a close call. "When treated, the vast majority of patients do quite well," said Freeman, the director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Moses Division of Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx. "I treat many patients every week." The ..."

Nathan might need Tommy John surgery

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March 10

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ozzie Guillen slept a little better than usual Tuesday night. Then again, the idea of facing Jon Rauch in the ninth inning with the game on the line instead of Twins closer Joe Nathan, well, that's the best pillow Guillen could've asked for. ''If Rauch is the closer, I'll take my chances,'' Guillen said before the Cactus League game against the Giants. ''It's nothing against Rauch, but Nathan is so good against us. ... I don't remember in the six or seven years with this ballclub that we had a good day against him, except once.'' With the news out of Florida on Tuesday morning that Nathan has a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and is likely headed for Tommy John ..."

Tight-lipped A-Rod gives skeptics something to talk about

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March 10

New York Post

"Alex Rodriguez refused to get into how Dr. Anthony Galea treated him and with what drugs while he was recovering from last spring's hip surgery, which leaves the feeling that Rodriguez and the doctor have something to hide. Monday, the Canadian doctor admitted he treated Rodriguez with anti-inflammatory medication while the Yankees' cleanup hitter was recovering from hip surgery. Even if Galea, who has admitted using human growth hormone, is telling the truth, there are a lot of questions to be answered. Before yesterday's 12-7 loss to the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field, in which Rodriguez went 0-for-2, Rodriguez did nothing to help clear the fog that has been getting thicker ..."

Reyes Gets Encouraging News From Specialists

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March 10

New York Times

"Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has received encouraging news about the tests on his thyroid gland, his agent said Tuesday night. According to the agent, Peter E. Greenberg, Reyes was examined by specialists in New York on Monday and Tuesday. The initial diagnosis was that he had a mild and perhaps temporary case of hyperthyroidism that might not require treatment. "We're waiting for the final results tomorrow," Greenberg said from Arizona, "but all indications are that it's the most minimal case of hyperthyroidism possible. The doctor was very pleased and so is Jose.""

Jays' McGowan feeling good after post-surgery pitching

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March 10

Toronto Star

"Dustin McGowan pitched a two-inning simulated game Tuesday morning, trying out a new curve ball on some minor league prospects and moving toward reclaiming a spot on the Jays' starting rotation. The session, which totaled 30 pitches, was the closest McGowan has come to game action since the shoulder surgery that has sidelined him since the summer of 2008. Mixing sliders and curveballs with fastballs, McGowan delivered 15 strikes and 15 balls, while two of the six batters he faced put balls into play."

Injury leaves Twins scrambling

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March 10

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Righthander Joe Nathan, one of baseball's elite closers, is 30-for-30 in save opportunities against Detroit. He has a career ERA of 0.85 against the Royals. He leads all closers with 246 saves since 2004. Watching Nathan jog in from the bullpen in the ninth had teammates believing the game was in the bag -- and it almost always was. Now those same teammates were left to wonder Tuesday about the potentially season-altering news that Nathan has a significant tear of the vital ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. If Nathan has surgery, which seems highly likely, his season is over before it started. "There's something to be said for the confidence he brings to the team when he's out ..."

Rays could change divisions under 'floating' realignment idea

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March 10

Tampa Tribune

"A Major League Baseball committee is exploring the concept of floating realignment, in which teams could change divisions each year based on geography, payroll and plans to contend, according to a report on SI.com. Should the idea be implemented, the Tampa Bay Rays theoretically would not have to compete for a division title each year against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, big-market teams with megapayrolls. Talks are in the very preliminary stages, part of a "brainstorming" session, said the report by Sports Illustrated baseball writer Tom Verducci. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig created a 14-person "special committee for on-field matters" four months ago, the report said. The ..."

Angel Guzman's career in jeopardy

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March 8

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman said he plans to have surgery on his injured shoulder, even though he has been told few pitchers come back from this kind of surgery. ''It's going to be tough,'' said Guzman, 28, who was diagnosed over the weekend with a significant ligament tear near his armpit and instability in the shoulder. ''But it's better than not having it and not having a chance. Doing it, I have a small chance, but there is a chance. So I'm going to take the chance.'' Guzman's decision isn't final, but he's not ready to give up on his career, even in the face of another setback. He already has had shoulder and elbow surgery. ''I love pitching. I've been pitching since I was 4 years ..."

Deal with Blalock very close

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March 8

St. Petersburg Times

"The Rays are very close tonight to completing a deal to sign INF Hank Blalock to a minor-league contract. Blalock, 29, is a former two-time All-Star who missed hefty portions of the 2007-2008 seasons with injuries but returned last year to hit 25 home runs for the Rangers, with a .234 average and 66 RBIs, splitting time between first base and DH."

Rays on verge of signing former Rangers infielder Hank Blalock

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March 8

St. Petersburg Times

"The Rays were very close Sunday night to finalizing a deal with former two-time All-Star INF Hank Blalock. The longtime Ranger will sign a minor-league contract but will provide the Rays depth and the option of another left-handed bat at the major league-level. Blalock, 29, hit .234 with 25 homers and 66 RBIs for Texas last season, splitting time between first base and DH, but had only a .277 on-base percentage. He missed major portions of the 2007-08 seasons with a series of injuries. SHIELDS ON TARGET: The only reason James Shields hasn't been named the Rays' opening day starter yet, manager Joe Maddon admitted, is because he hasn't gotten around to officially telling him. "I've got to ..."

Rays, Hank Blalock reportedly close to agreement

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March 7

SportingNews.com

"SI.com reports free-agent infielder Hank Blalock is close to signing with the Rays. Blalock presumably would back up Carlos Pena at first base, Evan Longoria at third base and Pat Burrell at DH."

Rangers' Hamilton: DH today?

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March 7

Dallas Morning News

"Josh Hamilton's return to the lineup could come sooner than the Texas Rangers had expected. Hamilton said that if he feels good today, he'll be the team's designated hitter in a B game in Surprise. Hamilton, who has been slowed by a left shoulder contusion, threw to bases Friday and took batting practice Saturday. "I feel good," said Hamilton, who hadn't planned on throwing Friday."

Quentin says left foot is fine

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March 7

Chicago Tribune

"With the exception of some "general soreness," Carlos Quentin said he feels good. That was evident Saturday from the two home runs he hit off Carlos Silva in vaulting the White Sox to a 15-3 victory over the Cubs before 12,712 fans at HoHoKam Park. Quentin played in only 99 games last season because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot and admitted his recovery was slow until December when he was able to perform more explosive work. "(The foot) is no sorer than it would be if I was healthy three years ago," Quentin said. "It's fatigue. Soreness as in maybe my feet just ache. That's just from being in cleats. "It's not a thought in my head where I'm concerned about that specific location. ..."

Jordan Brown to miss 4-8 weeks; Jason Grilli could miss season

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March 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Jordan Brown will undergo surgery this week, and Jason Grilli is expected to be next. The players' seasons changed dramatically when both were injured during workouts Friday morning. Brown will undergo surgery this week at Cleveland Clinic to repair a torn medial collateral meniscus in his right knee. Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, said Brown will miss four to eight weeks. Grilli tore his quadriceps muscle above the right knee. Soloff said Grilli appears headed for potential season-ending surgery. "Jason is getting a second opinion," said Soloff. "We're still gathering information.""

Russell Martin says groin strain is 'not anything major'

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March 7

Los Angeles Times

"Russell Martin was back in the Dodgers' clubhouse on Sunday morning, saying he was relieved after getting the results of the MRI exam he had undergone the previous day. "They said I've got like a little strain, somewhere either in the lower abdomen or groin area," he said. "It's not anything major. It's more of a preventive type of thing.""

Jurrjens throws pain-free batting practice, getting close to return

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March 7

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens threw his first round of live batting practice on Sunday morning and came away feeling good about his right shoulder in his next step toward returning to the rotation. He is expected to take two days off, throw another batting practice session on Wednesday, take two more days off, and if all goes well he'll have a chance to pitch in his first game of spring on Saturday March 13 against Toronto. The Braves won't make his return date official until they see how his shoulder responds. Jurrjens has thrown three pain-free bullpen sessions, followed by another good 24-pitch batting practice on Sunday."

Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb may start the season on DL

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March 6

Arizona Republic

"Right-hander Brandon Webb's "stagnant" condition, to use his word, has the Diamondbacks acknowledging for the first time that he could begin the season on the disabled list. "If we get 30 starts from him, great," General Manager Josh Byrnes said Friday. "If we get 20, that's great. We just need to get it right." Byrnes said that if Webb doesn't get in a Cactus League game by around next weekend, he probably won't have time to get ready for his first start of the season. He was scheduled to start on April 7 in the third game of the season. Webb said he wasn't able to "let loose and let it go," which has been evident in his below-normal velocity in the two bullpen sessions open to reporters. ..."

Agent's arrival doesn't mean Mauer deal is in place

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March 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins President Dave St. Peter arrived in Fort Myers on Thursday, and Joe Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, was expected in town, as well. So all the pieces are in place for a news conference announcing a contract extension for Mauer. Only one problem: Nobody close to the negotiations has indicated that the sides are close to an agreement. In fact, since Shapiro makes annual trips to visit Mauer each spring, nobody would confirm that this was any different. St. Peter had planned to be in Fort Myers for the start of the Grapefruit League schedule to meet with the team's corporate sponsors, etc. Mauer did not play Thursday night, as expected, with the Twins opening their exhibition schedule at ..."

Brewers begin negotiations with Fielder

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March 5

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The process of making an offer for a long-term contract extension to first baseman Prince Fielder began Wednesday for the Milwaukee Brewers. Just don't ask club officials to admit it. Fielder confirmed Thursday that Brewers general manager Doug Melvin and assistant Gord Ash had met the previous day in Los Angeles with his agent, Scott Boras. Fielder said no initial contract offer was made, however. "I would know if they did that," Fielder said after coming out of the Brewers' exhibition opener against San Francisco at Scottsdale Stadium. "Scott would have told me. I didn't hear anything about that." Melvin and Ash were noticeably missing from the Brewers' training camp Wednesday, prompting ..."

Another bat? Blalock a possibility

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March 5

St. Petersburg Times

"The Rays like the team they have assembled, but they are always looking for ways to improve. And that could include adding another veteran left-handed bat. The Rays have interest in longtime Texas INF Hank Blalock on a minor-league deal. The Marlins do, too, and there are several reports that Blalock is set to choose between the two Florida teams."

D-backs hoping they can wrap up Reynolds

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March 5

SI.com

"The Diamondbacks, fresh of their $51.25 million, six-year deal with rising star Justin Upton, have offered about $13.5 million over two years to slugging third baseman Mark Reynolds and are meeting with him Friday with hopes of making progress. The sides are said to remain a bit apart, as Reynolds is seeking a deal similar to the $18-million, two-year deal Prince Fielder received to cover his first two arbitration years while the D-backs see Dan Uggla and his $13 million take during his first two arbitration years as the better comp. Reynolds' people pointed out in meetings that he has more all-around skills than Fielder, including baserunning ability and better defense. But while the ..."

Lee may finally have a home, but he'll keep options open

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March 5

SI.com

"Cliff Lee might finally have found the right team for him. The Mariners and Lee are taking things slowly, but word is that if everything goes well and he likes his first foray in the Northwest, the Mariners will try hard to lock him up with a new contract. That's something neither of his past two teams (the Indians and Phillies) showed much interest in doing. Which seems either crazy or bad luck, or maybe a bit of both. By all rights, Lee should have a big-league-sized chip on his talented left shoulder following two rejections he neither earned nor deserved. Lee received no contract offer at all from the Indians following his dominating 22-3 Cy Young season in 2008. Then one year later, ..."

Nick Johnson's lower-back pain gives Yankees reason for worry

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March 5

New York Post

"Two days into the exhibition season Nick Johnson's body betrayed him. Again. Johnson's foolish decision to wear cleats during batting practice, when artificial turf covers the dirt in the batter's box, proved to be a bad idea yesterday and added another small chapter to a career filled with injuries that kept the left-handed hitter with a sharp eye from becoming an elite player. Instead of hitting at Bright House Field in sneakers, which all players do, the 31-year-old Johnson donned spikes. When he caught a cleat in the carpet, Johnson felt discomfort in the back and was scratched from the lineup against the Phillies. The official reason was a stiff lower back. "I never did that," Johnson ..."

Angels come to 2010 contract terms with several key young players

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March 5

Los Angeles Times

"The Angels have agreed to terms on 2010 contracts with four of their prominent young players, avoiding the sometimes contentious "renewal" process with relievers Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger, pitcher Matt Palmer and infielder Brandon Wood. Reliever Brian Stokes, the 30-year-old right-hander acquired from the New York Mets for Gary Matthews Jr. this winter, and minor league reliever Rafael Rodriguez also came to terms. However, reliever Rich Thompson, who has spent most of the last three seasons at triple-A Salt Lake, had his contract renewed Thursday, the day the Angels set as a deadline to sign players on their 40-man roster. Jepsen and Bulger emerged as key relievers last season, Jepsen ..."

DeRosa hoping to return soon

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March 5

San Francisco Chronicle

"What an erudite conversation that must have been behind the batting cage Thursday when Dartmouth graduates Bill Neukom and Mike Remlinger chewed the high-brow fat with Mark DeRosa of Penn. Perhaps the three Ivy Leaguers were debating whether the International Monetary Fund had the political will to help all Third World countries escape the global recession, or if Pluto really should be designated a planet. More likely, DeRosa was complaining to Neukom and Remlinger, one the Giants' managing general partner and the other a former San Francisco pitcher, about his inability to play in these early Cactus League games. That soon could change. DeRosa, who continues to build strength in his ..."

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