The latest MLB player news from CBSSports.com http://www.cbssports.com en-us Copyright 2012, CBSSports.com Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:14:00 EST 30 http://images.cbssports.com/images/cbsdm/spec/cbssportscom.gif http://www.cbssports.com 380 70 Trayvon Robinson said he spent the offseason working on using his hands more when he swings and he is eager to test his changes this spring. "I think I got away from what I do best," he said. "But I'm putting last year behind me. This is a fresh start and I'm looking forward to getting after it."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=033d0982945b939346be5b83aa59e497 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1603040/rss 13292641961603040 MLB,SEA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:03:16 EST Bryce Harper for the opening-day roster. However, The Washington Post reports Rizzo said it's going to take more than impressive spring numbers for that to happen. “He’s going to make it to the big leagues when I realize that, developmentally, he’s ready to play in the big leagues,” Rizzo said. “That’s physically, that’s emotionally and that’s psychologically.”


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=11870e332c5a85a0637a1ca1a52a7b16 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1765813/rss 13292555531765813 MLB,WAS Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:39:13 EST The Dallas Morning News reports you don't have to tell Rangers OF Craig Gentry what is at stake when he arrives for spring training. "I've got a chance to be a solid everyday player," Gentry said Tuesday. "In years past, I've had to scratch and fight just to try and make the team." Gentry has the chance to be the Rangers' starting center fielder if he can iron out his offensive struggles and the team chooses to keep Josh Hamilton in left field. "I need to put together consistent quality at-bats," Gentry said. "If I can get on base and make things happen, I can do some things."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d7f0631429440daa307ecb46adfcbf12 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1665405/rss 13292538421665405 MLB,TEX Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:10:42 EST The Star-Ledger reports Mets SP Johan Santana (shoulder) played catch for 10 minutes Tuesday, then took part in fielding drills. Santana will play catch again Wednesday and Thursday before throwing a light bullpen session Friday. Santana played catch from 175 feet Monday, and manager Terry Collins said Santana looked "great." "He's going to be ready to start spring training as any other pitcher would be. I think from that point on we'll have to monitor where he is and hope he stays on track," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said of Santana in an interview with WFAN on Tuesday. "But from our point of view now he's one of the five. We expect him to start spring training that way. And we're very hopeful he'll end spring training that way."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=893756ffdb550cdcc92105b2720d2a6b http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/174948/rss 1329252836174948 MLB,NYM Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:53:56 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=893756ffdb550cdcc92105b2720d2a6b&p=4 893756ffdb550cdcc92105b2720d2a6b ]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:53:56 EST C.J. Wilson posted on his Twitter account Tuesday that he threw his first bullpen session and has his first workout with his new team. Wilson signed with Los Angeles in the offseason for five years, $77.5 million.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=009e39285d32ff5de89b0edf19bf1bda http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/548808/rss 1329251851548808 MLB,LAD,LAA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:37:31 EST The Dallas Morning News reports Rangers OF David Murphy is headed to camp looking to secure a starting outfield job, and he knows it's up to him to prove he deserves to start. "If there is one area where I can improve the most, it's defensively," Murphy said Tuesday. "I can get better jumps. There were too many balls last year, that after the play was over, I was thinking 'I could have caught that ball.' I know I can improve in other areas, too, but right now, I think I can make the biggest improvement defensively."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=b3520aff4c2c3f08dd812df46c84649b http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/486548/rss 1329251214486548 MLB,TEX Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:26:54 EST Michael Pineda started his New York Yankees' career a little early. The All-Star pitcher acquired from Seattle last month joined pre-spring training workouts Tuesday at the Yankees' minor league complex. "I'm excited because it's my first time," Pineda said. "I'm working hard to help my team make it to the playoffs." The Mariners and Yankees completed a four-player trade that sent promising slugger Jesus Montero and pitcher Hector Noesi to the Mariners for Pineda and pitching prospect Jose Campos. "My mom is excited because she has a lot of family in New York, and she's never come to America," said Pineda, who's mother lives in the Dominican Republic. "So this year, it's the first time she's coming to America. She's excited." Pineda and second baseman Robinson Cano are friends, which should help the pitcher's adjustment. "He talked to me, (and said) focus on the game, in your work," Pineda said. "Don't worry. I'll take care of you."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=31634491fcb36a998b0f028542f8ed1f http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1741763/rss 13292505001741763 MLB,NYY,SEA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST The Seattle Times reports Mariners manager Eric Wedge said 3B Alex Liddi will be playing first base for most of the spring. Liddi began taking grounders at first on Tuesday. "We're going to bounce him back between first and third,'' Wedge said. "It's not so much about everybody else. It's about him and everybody else. As he is working at making that transition from the minor leagues to the big leagues -- and we're not sure how it's going to play out this spring -- I want it to be an option for him.''


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=04110dd4052b34c843df4e9a4e03cb08 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1667060/rss 13292501461667060 MLB,SEA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:09:06 EST News-Press reports Twins SS Tsuyoshi Nishioka arrived a week early to spring training so he could adjust to the time difference from Japan. He worked out Monday and said through a translator that adjusting to his first experience in the majors took its toll on him in 2011. “I want to be more aggressive,” Nishioka said. “Not knowing right from left, it was strange playing the sport of baseball. It’s difficult when you think about it. Driving a car, you drive on opposite sides of the road. Outside the ballpark, there were lifestyle adjustments, too. That made it pretty difficult.”


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=83a754f7f515dec85eec770e508ec2e0 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1788883/rss 13292494971788883 MLB,MIN Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:58:17 EST News-Press reports Twins C Joe Mauer took two rounds of batting practice and went through a set of conditioning drills around the base paths Monday, and he appeared to have no problems sprinting. Mauer battled leg injuries in 2011. “I feel good,” Mauer said. “It feels good to get back out here again.” Mauer also put to rest the rumors that he gained 30 pounds in the offseason. “I heard that, too, and I couldn’t believe it," he said. “It’s just how rumors start. There were a lot of things out there last year that weren’t true. I’m about 220, 225. I need to add a little more weight before we start.”


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=ea9662c3281c59824e6f8e6d7e4f5200 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/288970/rss 1329249022288970 MLB,MIN Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:50:22 EST St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook has shown up for spring training 25 pounds lighter than he was last season.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=2e12feded78dfd330c93d099423bdb0a http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/44649/rss 132924670144649 MLB,STL Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:11:41 EST The Seattle Times reports Mariners 3B Kyle Seager took grounders at first base Tuesday. Manager Eric Wedge said it was because of pitcher fielding drills Seager was at first base.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=727aab3200cdf1d45d4bf6863983c4fd http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1741002/rss 13292439591741002 MLB,SEA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:25:59 EST A.J. Burnett, who has been heavily involved in trade rumors. The talks with the Indians revolve around a Burnett for DH Travis Hafner deal. However, Cleveland is unsure if it would make that trade, and the Yankees also appear content with the free agent DH options available. MLB.com reports the Burnett-for-Hafner trade was discussed, but it's no longer on the table.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=bc1260044d2c2c1fc17ca231e729ccd3 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/223614/rss 1329243563223614 MLB,CLE,NYY Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:19:23 EST New York Post reports Yankees SP Joba Chamberlain, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw 20 pitches on Tuesday for the third time this year. Chamberlain is throwing from a half-mound.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=6badc298eaa876adc6c39b0ec75b1614 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1232125/rss 13292428151232125 MLB,NYY Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:06:55 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=6badc298eaa876adc6c39b0ec75b1614&p=4 6badc298eaa876adc6c39b0ec75b1614 ]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:06:55 EST Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas -- I'm extremely proud of both of those guys," Yost told reporters. "They could be in the best shape they've been in their careers. Billy looks great, and I didn't even hardly recognize Moose he looks so good."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=f25b7dd6b30af8b0b8e5428d14f13426 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/584800/rss 1329241931584800 MLB,KC Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:52:11 EST Billy Butler and Mike Moustakas -- I'm extremely proud of both of those guys," Yost told reporters. "They could be in the best shape they've been in their careers. Billy looks great, and I didn't even hardly recognize Moose he looks so good."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=7cb020c6a55f58e371beb6de1caa28a4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1232128/rss 13292417241232128 MLB,KC Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:48:44 EST Boston Globe reports Red Sox pitching coach Bob McClure said the team plans to take a look at Junichi Tazawa as a reliever.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=9a8c4458ea5df63b3c14c481432b1ba6 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1655261/rss 13292411991655261 MLB,BOS Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:39:59 EST Bud Norris' goals for the 2012 season is reaching 200 innings for the first time in his MLB career. "I'm pretty happy with the strides I made last year and I'm continuing to move forward," he said. "The main goal for me is to play 10 years in the big leagues and hopefully get that World Series win. That's what it's all about. Another thing Roy (Oswalt) taught me before he left was to try to get to 200 innings. If you get to 200 innings, you're giving your team the best opportunity to win and I hope that I can get out there and do that."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=4fced6a9cf5356fe879a8af656bd323b http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1657583/rss 13292408501657583 MLB,HOU Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:34:10 EST The Denver Post reports Rockies SP Jhoulys Chacin responded to comments made by GM Dan O'Dowd, who expressed concern recently about Chacin's offseason conditioning. "I came to Arizona this past Monday. I have not stopped training during the winter, both in my country and here," Chacin told Venezuelan newspaper Meridiano. "I have always done the best job I could all throughout these past few months. I don't know where these comments came from. I believe they're the result of what other people have told him, instead of his own personal evaluation. I am looking forward to meeting O'Dowd personally, and I am confident that he will have a different conclusion after a firsthand evaluation." O'Dowd made his comments after seeing Chacin at the team's Fanfest in January. "He looked OK. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated," O'Dowd said. "It's still not what it should be."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=917cff88d71dc091f347af9b367ff922 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1618705/rss 13292392731618705 MLB,ARI,COL Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:07:53 EST Jose Veras lost his arbitration case. He will make $2 million in 2012 instead of the $2.375 million he sought in arbitration.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8a3d676710aa338e641c8eef3e6513fc http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/284651/rss 1329238879284651 MLB,MIL Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:01:19 EST Jair Jurrjens if he proves healthy in spring training. The Braves tried to trade Jurrjens this winter, but they couldn't find a taker because potential trade partners weren't convinced Jurrjens was healthy or could stay healthy. Jurrjens missed the end of the 2011 season with a knee injury and has made just 43 starts the last two seasons.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=0bb61819186ea5f581826f0f93671ebc http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1199811/rss 13292386551199811 MLB,ATL Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:57:35 EST Kosuke Fukudome is headed back to the Windy City, but this time he is going to call the South Side home. Fukudome agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the White Sox on Tuesday. The deal also included a club option for the 2013 season. "Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives Robin (Ventura) another left-handed bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups," assistant general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. "He can play center field and right and provides flexibility to our roster."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=af980be3d8d2c54ec128aafbfbe2a580 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1434331/rss 13292380141434331 MLB,CLE,CHW Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:46:54 EST A.J. Burnett, whose name has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors with the Pirates. However, the Angels are on Burnett's no-trade list and he wants to stay east. Pittsburgh is still considered the heavy favorite to potentially land Burnett. CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman said the Indians have also inquired about Burnett. The trade talks involve DH Travis Hafner, but Cleveland is unsure if it would make that trade. The Yankees also don't mind the free agent DH options available. MLB.com reports the Burnett-for-Hafner trade was discussed, but it's no longer on the table.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=1220f623b7590bdfb5023077d7353cc6 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/21508/rss 132923761221508 MLB,CLE,LAA,NYY,PIT Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:40:12 EST Newsday reports Mets SP Dillon Gee is focusing on finishing out the 2012 season after he struggled in the second half in 2011. Gee admitted fatigue played a part in his ERA rising to 5.25 after the All-Star break. He had a 3.76 ERA in the first half. "As the months went on, my stuff just got kind of bland," Gee said. "I feel that comes from fatigue. As soon as your legs get tired, you start overcompensating one way or the other, maybe relaxing a little bit. That throws off your release point, and in the end, the movement on your pitches. Earlier in the year, when I was fresh, you could see a big difference in the video that I watched."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=bc37832e1d7e13f5f1b144d1a58ba2ad http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1661428/rss 13292371991661428 MLB,NYM Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:33:19 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=bc37832e1d7e13f5f1b144d1a58ba2ad&p=4 bc37832e1d7e13f5f1b144d1a58ba2ad ]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:33:19 EST Boston Globe reports Red Sox SP Josh Beckett threw 50 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday as new manager Bobby Valentine watched. Pitching coach Bob McClure said Beckett "looked good."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=4c5796c225a9ec395088b5ce10f7c8fa http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/174887/rss 1329236810174887 MLB,BOS Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:26:50 EST Kelvin De La Cruz on Tuesday.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=6ace824a7aeb4615447876179df87d2f http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1725343/rss 13292364421725343 MLB,CLE Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:20:42 EST Coco Crisp over to left field and Seth Smith to DH. Cespedes is already 26 and has faced upper-level competition in Cuba, but some scouts think he could use some time in the minors to adjust to the U.S. game.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=ef68942317cfff15e0827be0e696ca05 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/292449/rss 1329232426292449 MLB,OAK Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:13:46 EST Ryan Braun's pending 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. It was the 25th day since the three-man panel heard Braun's appeal. According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the panel was supposed to “make all reasonable efforts” to deliver a verdict within that period of time, but chairman Shyam Das was given an extension. A decision is expected before Braun reports to spring training on Feb. 24, but the exact date is unknown since the process is intended to be confidential.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=6af4217440a467efa2fb224c9e8e4272 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1103045/rss 13292318291103045 MLB,MIL Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:03:49 EST Los Angeles Times, Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto told OF Bobby Abreu during a phone call on Monday that the veteran will be given every opportunity to earn playing time during the spring. With the offseason addition of Albert Pujols, Mark Trumbo and Kendrys Morales will vie with Abreu for at-bats at the DH spot in 2012. Dipoto also added that he does not plan on trading the 37-year-old. “Bobby is an Angel,” Dipoto said. “Right now, he fits on our 25-man roster, in our clubhouse, on our team. Where he is in eight weeks is predicated on how he’s playing and everyone’s health. We have some unknowns with the health of Kendrys and the progress of Mark, but we know Bobby is healthy. As I told him, if he swings the bat like he can, we’re going to find a way to play him.”


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=e721396754b1fef5cf2b9edcee5449fb http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7367/rss 13291982947367 MLB,LAD,LAA Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:44:54 EST Hong-Chih Kuo threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Sunday, but the team will proceed with caution with Kuo, who is coming off October elbow surgery. "We've got to keep an eye on him and work to keep him healthy and available for us," manager Eric Wedge said. "He was dominant a couple years ago. He's had some injuries in the past, but he feels good now. It's a great opportunity for him as well as so many others. But when you look at his upside and what he's capable of doing when he's healthy, we're hoping we can keep him there."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=2ca26b268a0012c6b14c2b461cdc36f1 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/390774/rss 1329179162390774 MLB,SEA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:26:02 EST George Sherrill didn't throw his scheduled bullpen session Monday as a precaution, manager Eric Wedge said. Sherrill had a wrap on his elbow after practice. "We're going to give him a few extra days," Wedge said. "He has a lot of reps under his belt over the course of the years. Usually a guy who takes the ball and is left-handed, that often is the case when you've had success like he's had. We've got a long camp and one of the No. 1 reasons we're here is starting pitchers and making sure they're ready with starting out early in Japan. With the relievers, especially some of the veteran guys, we want to make sure we don't get them ready too quick."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=57cdae276b21f096dfb836ab34b41d45 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/479390/rss 1329179016479390 MLB,SEA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:23:36 EST The Associated Press reports Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said the team should be fully healthy heading into spring training. That includes ace Josh Johnson, who has been throwing off a mound after making only nine starts in 2011 because of right shoulder inflammation. "I feel great," Johnson said. "No problems. I haven't really been sore yet, and I've been letting it go." The Sports Xchange reported over the weekend that Johnson arrived to the team's spring training complex in Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 9 and threw his first bullpen session of the year in Florida on Feb. 10.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=30300419bd83c51affe0c5d15576a709 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/546234/rss 1329177291546234 MLB,MIA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:54:51 EST Casey Janssen. The deal is for two years with a club option for 2014. Janssen will make $2 million on 2012, $3.9 million for 2013 and the club option for '14 is $4 million.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=c5551d4d7663478b7c00ec0ccf82f997 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/585620/rss 1329176347585620 MLB,TOR Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:39:07 EST New York Post reports Mets 1B Ike Davis said he is "good to go" as he arrived to spring training on Monday. Davis who missed most of last season with an ankle injury said he no longer thinks about his injury. He elected not to have surgery and chose to rehab the injury instead. “It’s great to know I’m training for a season rather than training to see if I can get back on the field or have to have surgery,” Davis said. “I’ve been fine for a while now, so it’s what I expected. But it’s good to finally hit on the field and get this under my belt.” Davis might see more at-bats this spring as he tries to make up for lost time. “I have more of a drive and a want this year,” Davis said. “I always had it, but I never really saw the other side, when the game isn’t there. I know to take it slow. I have to get back into the rhythm of playing, but I’ve got plenty of time. It’s going to come back.”


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=2439d84f99f9f45d8ea477a0a6b46d06 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1666191/rss 13291749791666191 MLB,NYM Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:16:19 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=2439d84f99f9f45d8ea477a0a6b46d06&p=4 2439d84f99f9f45d8ea477a0a6b46d06 ]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:16:19 EST Hector Noesi, who was acquired in the Michael Pineda trade with the Yankees, said he is not concerned about what his role is as spring training opens in Arizona. However, he did add that he relishes the idea of becoming a starter again. "Yeah, that's a good thing," Noesi said. "Last year I was reliever. I felt it was easy because I'd work one inning, two innings, sometimes they used me three innings like a long reliever. So it's more easy. But I've always liked to start." Noesi did make a few late-season starts for the Yankees in 2011, but he then stretched out in the Dominican winter league, where he went 3-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts. "He looked good," manager Eric Wedge said after watching Noesi throw his bullpen session. "As you know, we did a lot of studying on him over the course of the offseason and leading up to the trade and we're really happy and excited to have him in camp. He's a good, young arm. As a starting pitcher, I like the way he stays fluid in his delivery and consistent with his line to home plate and his release point. The ball comes out of his hand nice."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=005f4542e7659b13b2a17a89ebee9a6d http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1725348/rss 13291733261725348 MLB,ARI,NYY,SEA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:48:46 EST The Plain Dealer reports Indians GM Chris Antonetti said he reached out to 1B Matt LaPorta and his agent, Scott Boras, before he signed Casey Kotchman this offseason. "I think most importantly the message I communicated to Matt is that we as an organization continue to believe in him," Antonetti said. "We still think he has a chance to be a very good major league player. But our focus is to trying to win this year. And trying do everything we can to do that. And he's going to have to come to camp to compete for a spot. If that doesn't happen, he may to continue to develop in Triple-A. Most importantly, we continue to committed as an organization to him and to his develop."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=eb3faf326021c84820668ae4db83449b http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1520596/rss 13291727951520596 MLB,CLE Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:39:55 EST Hanley Ramirez, who is moving to third base after the signing of Jose Reyes. Guillen says Ramirez has yet to embrace a move to third base. Guillen said he has spoken with Ramirez only once since the signing of Reyes, but he expects Ramirez to accept the move once he realizes it gives the Marlins their best chance to win. "If If I was Hanley, I'd be the happiest man on earth," Guillen said. "You got Boni (Emilio Bonifacio) and Reyes in front of you and you have (Mike) Stanton behind you."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8681c697b6e58a5e6d16fbf7c87b4d3b http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/393458/rss 1329172487393458 MLB,MIA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:34:47 EST Emilio Bonifacio will start in center field for Miami. However, manager Ozzie Guillen said that was going to be the case all along. "Bonifacio would've have been my center fielder no matter if Cespedes was here," Guillen told 790 AM in Miami. "If Cespedes (came) to the Marlins, he would have had to make the ballclub."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=43539f734131792c009753955f897fe8 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1174267/rss 13291721241174267 MLB,MIA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:28:44 EST Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said 3B Scott Rolen (shoulder) should be full-go for the start of spring training. “I talked to his offseason trainer a 10 days or two weeks ago. He said Scott is 100 percent and swinging the bat really well," Jocketty said.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=00c140b0c8b87fcefbcef7e0452586e4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/8031/rss 13291716648031 MLB,CIN Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:21:04 EST Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said pitcher Aroldis Chapman is at the team's spring complex in Arizona and throwing. “He’s healthy and feels good,” Jocketty said.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=cef3af91db91add407d4a18a57337501 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1717646/rss 13291715221717646 MLB,ARI,CIN Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:18:42 EST Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said he hasn't had contact with Roy Oswalt's agents in the last week, and Jocketty offered up his own opinion on the Oswalt sweepstakes. “I think he’s waiting for Texas to clear money,” Jocketty said.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=c72feac0d30ade2439dd9adb8243fe56 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/212033/rss 1329171083212033 MLB,PHI,CIN,TEX Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:11:23 EST Boston Globe reports Red Sox OF Ryan Kalish has arrived at the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Fla., and is working out. However, he hasn't been cleared to swing a bat as he recovers from shoulder surgery.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=a3904b425aec8e6e4625397118a55cd4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1630083/rss 13291692671630083 MLB,BOS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:41:07 EST Boston Globe reports Red Sox 1B Adrian Gonzalez showed up to spring training on Monday, even though position players didn't have to report until Feb. 23. The paper notes that Gonzalez appears trimmer than he was at the end of the 2011 season.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=c0d3b732f7d0e445acf91321c1bcf838 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/288903/rss 1329169017288903 MLB,BOS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:36:57 EST Boston Globe reports Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard, who is making the transition from reliever to starter, threw a bullpen session Monday morning at the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Fla. Bard said it was the fifth or sixth time he has thrown from a mound this winter.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=b9bad289cf5cc9fa999d9f701bf0d6c1 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1662777/rss 13291683871662777 MLB,BOS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:26:27 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=b9bad289cf5cc9fa999d9f701bf0d6c1&p=4 b9bad289cf5cc9fa999d9f701bf0d6c1 ]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:26:27 EST The Plain Dealer reports Indians GM Chris Antonetti said he would like to see OF Grady Sizemore play 100-120 games in 2012. Antonetti added that the Indians took a gamble on bringing Sizemore back with a one-year deal, but he said the veteran outfielder showed at times in 2011 that he can still be an exceptional offensive player.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=7bc2752709016afd14859a85e750f8b9 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/392088/rss 1329168008392088 MLB,CLE Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:20:08 EST Esmerling Vasquez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester. He will be a non-roster invitee to spring training.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8e4ff324640d04b5c594819cedc1ebb8 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1392910/rss 13291673911392910 MLB,MIN Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:09:51 EST Vladimir Guerrero has told the Yankees he wants to be their designated hitter, a role that became vacant when Jesus Montero was traded to Seattle. Newsday first reported in mid-January that a rep for Guerrero contacted the Yankees about the DH role. ESPN reports Raul Ibanez is still considered the front-runner to sign with the Yankees as their DH.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=f874cb09622bbb4c5f15298d1974ccc4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7669/rss 13291626677669 MLB,BAL,NYY,SEA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:51:07 EST Seth Smith to designated hitter.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=496a721398a1f7950f804d64f4b2795d http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/549985/rss 1329158266549985 MLB,OAK Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:46 EST The Seattle Times reports Mariners SP prospect James Paxton said he is working a changeup into his repertoire. "It's something I've been working on for a while and that they figure is going to help me by adding another weapon,'' Paxton said. Paxton has been invited to major-league camp, but he appears to be a long shot to make the opening-day roster. "I'm just honored to be invited here,'' Paxton said. "This is a fantastic opportunity and I'm going to try to learn as much as I can.''


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=eae10140b158f7870cea8b34d13f34e3 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1805124/rss 13291572881805124 MLB,SEA Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:21:28 EST The Dallas Morning News reports Rangers RP Koji Uehara hinted on his blog that he received an injection into his right elbow last season. Uehara also posted that he threw 100 pitches in a bullpen session Sunday before departing Japan for spring training.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=041251a947f9074ec0b95c0f5ed3d970 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1657590/rss 13291561581657590 MLB,TEX Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:02:38 EST The Dallas Morning News reports Rangers GM Jon Daniels said he expects Josh Hamilton to report for spring training on time despite a recent revelation that Hamilton had a relapse in his quest to stay sober. Hamilton's admission led to a meeting with doctors associated with an after-care program run by MLB and the players association. The doctors have appeared to eliminate the option of sending Hamilton to rehab. Position players for the Rangers don't have to report until Feb. 25. "His health and his family are the priorities. We're not going to pre-empt that for anything about a contract," Daniels said about contract extension talks regarding Hamilton.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=af832f1b512a0bf757895c6761e5bf36 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/174916/rss 1329155734174916 MLB,TEX Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:55:34 EST Mike Napoli said his injured left ankle is progressing, but he is still not 100 percent. Napoli turned his ankle in the World Series against the Cardinals last year. "I think I’m close," Napoli said. "I’m not really going to know until I get into the wear and tear of spring training and catching all the time. But I've been feeling good and getting better day by day." Napoli said he has been running on the ankle, and he is also hitting and throwing without pain. However, he is still concerned about how it will hold up with the constant squatting and baseball activity. "But I'm trying not to do that all the time so I'm not depending on that," Napoli said. "I'm working on getting my little muscles stronger."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=e4bac9c5fa7b5e111ce4b495e0ca3774 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/293103/rss 1329155318293103 MLB,STL,TEX Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:48:38 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=e4bac9c5fa7b5e111ce4b495e0ca3774&p=4 e4bac9c5fa7b5e111ce4b495e0ca3774 ]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:48:38 EST Houston Chronicle reports Astros catcher Chris Snyder said he is fully recovered from the back surgery he had in June.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=99fcbaecade34fbc0637af82dab6c3da http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/392209/rss 1329154069392209 MLB,HOU Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:27:49 EST Boston Globe reports while Red Sox pitchers and catchers don't officially have to report until Sunday, some players have arrived early, including SP Daisuke Matsuzaka. The paper noted that Matsuzaka, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in June, was throwing off a mound with manager Bobby Valentine watching.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=1cfc985e2c68c84302f5874e3858a6bf http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1145060/rss 13291519751145060 MLB,BOS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:55 EST Ian Desmond is in for a bounce-back season in 2012 because of two trends they spotted in 2011. The first is that Desmond made significant strides at the plate in the second half of last season. After hitting .223 with a .264 OBP and .308 slugging percentage before the All-Star break, Desmond hit .289 with a .338 OBP and .417 slugging percentage down the stretch. He really thrived when manager Davey Johnson made him the leadoff hitter, which is a position he is expected to keep heading into the spring. The second trend is that Desmond's defense improved as the season progressed. He committed seven errors in his first 20 games and just 16 over his final 134.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d70e59dd08ae2e254cd9059c37decd7a http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/546867/rss 1329151315546867 MLB,WAS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:41:55 EST Newsday reports Yankees SP Phil Hughes, who looks noticeably slimmer and more muscular, said he weighs about 240 pounds. He added that in the offseason he changed his "body composition."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=35b0f80dded83af978a5558a88bd498f http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/584965/rss 1329150403584965 MLB,NYY Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:26:43 EST David Ortiz and the Red Sox came to terms on a one-year contract hours before the two sides were set to go to an arbitration hearing. Ortiz signed a one-year, $14.575 million contract.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=e6864887d4ac5c0741ed938b8c9af929 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/8236/rss 13291494628236 MLB,BOS Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:11:02 EST Jon Garland to a minor-league deal on Monday. Garland, who last pitched for the Dodgers, was limited to only nine starts last season before having arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder in June.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=05523270fdb7b21842b52e35c5a7fe8d http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/174783/rss 1329147451174783 MLB,CLE,LAD Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:37:31 EST Philadelphia Inquirer reports Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has to find a cleanup hitter with Ryan Howard expected to miss the beginning of the season recovering from an Achilles injury, and he said his choice going into spring training is Hunter Pence.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=63fcab5a745a8c7c1e6e08735a99d3da http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/584806/rss 1329095380584806 MLB,PHI Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:09:40 EST Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas are the leading candidates to start the team's first two games against the A's in Japan. "That's one of the reasons we're here early, to make sure we get Felix ready and we're probably looking at Vargas right now in regard to the first couple games," Wedge said, as reported by MLB.com. "It is a little odd, but that's OK. That's part of it. We're professionals here and we have to get multiple starters prepared for the regular season. It's not just about those two guys, it's about everybody else as well. We've got a lot of starting pitchers here in camp and we'll see how it plays out. I'm looking forward to the competition."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=53fad8c7b793bd23c8cea9212da82edf http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/556425/rss 1329092079556425 MLB,SEA Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:14:39 EST Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas are the leading candidates to start the team's first two games against the A's in Japan. "That's one of the reasons we're here early, to make sure we get Felix ready and we're probably looking at Vargas right now in regard to the first couple games," Wedge said, as reported by MLB.com. "It is a little odd, but that's OK. That's part of it. We're professionals here and we have to get multiple starters prepared for the regular season. It's not just about those two guys, it's about everybody else as well. We've got a lot of starting pitchers here in camp and we'll see how it plays out. I'm looking forward to the competition."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=231e23584bc88e8c02eda97f66f9d9c2 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/541516/rss 1329091787541516 MLB,SEA Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:09:47 EST Hisashi Iwakuma said his shoulder is fine after he was limited to 17 starts last season in Japan because of a sore right shoulder. "I talked to him at length a couple days ago," pitching coach Carl Willis said. "This is obviously all new to him being in the States for the first time, with a different routine pitching every fifth day instead of sixth or seventh. But he's not an 18-year-old kid either. He has a history of what he's done to get ready for a season and we'll talk daily. Really, at the outset it comes down to me listening to him, because he's the one who knows what he needs to do to get ready."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=91f4ff9d404e740534b54fce4ec9b4cb http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1933858/rss 13290851331933858 MLB,SEA Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:18:53 EST The Sports Xchange reports Braves SP Tim Hudson, who is recovering from surgery to repair a disc in his back late in November, had been playing light catch in his yard until begin cleared by doctors this week to increase his throwing.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=c0f13e9c1395d493cfea54a16730376c http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/132684/rss 1329081951132684 MLB,ATL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:25:51 EST The Sports Xchange reports Braves SP Mike Minor, vying again this spring for the fifth starter's job, said, "All my pitches are everywhere right now." His says his arm feels good, but that it's lagging and he isn't following through. Fortunately, he knows the point of the Braves' early throwing program is to get these preseason inconsistencies out of the way.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=9a921b151b338f403736a9707c3e5db7 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1735792/rss 13290816951735792 MLB,ATL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:21:35 EST The Sports Xchange reports Braves RP Craig Kimbrel is working on locating his changeup, which he may use during the season if he's able to master it. But even if it's not ready for prime time, throwing it helps stretch him out for his fastball. He has yet to throw his curveball.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=35db78e256e832164d819511217cf5d4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1718083/rss 13290815441718083 MLB,ATL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:19:04 EST The Sports Xchange reports Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia will be healthy once again when he reports to spring training. In 2010, Pedroia broke a bone in his left foot that required season-ending surgery. And last season, he played with a screw inserted in his foot to improve the healing process. But with his foot fully healed, the screw was removed in October, which can only improve his peace of mind, according to manager Bobby Valentine. "I would think, especially in the cold weather, it had to be really a problem for him," Valentine said. "He said he hasn't felt this way for at least two years. He's a terrific player. David Ortiz told me I'm going to be really excited watching him play, and I believe that."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=e0169564e5006c211031c0f5983b9fa7 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/547429/rss 1329080494547429 MLB,BOS Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:01:34 EST The Sports Xchange reports Astros LF J.D. Martinez said he has gained 22 pounds this offseason as his weight and his production fell, as usual, by the end of last season. Martinez had an on-base plus slugging of .834 OPS in August last year, and that fell to .622 in September as the long season took its toll.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d9048059bc79b3019b8a195d4ef76971 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1795780/rss 13290801521795780 MLB,HOU Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:55:52 EST The Sports Xchange reports Astros C Jason Castro is expected back for the second week of Grapefruit League games, manager Brad Mills said. Castro missed last season because of a torn ACL and had surgery in December to remove a sesamoid bone from his foot.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=3b2bd735ed8b4d35d9e782e30350efb6 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1657577/rss 13290798201657577 MLB,HOU Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:50:20 EST The Sports Xchange reports C Russell Martin lauded the signing of right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who figures to help stabilize the Yankee rotation. The two were teammates on the Dodgers. "He can pitch, man," Martin told the New York Daily News. "When he's really on, his splitty is on. It gets him out of trouble. He can throw his fastball at 94 or 95 (mph), though he's mostly at 92 or 93, so it's impressive. His slider is different, a really short break. It's not a strikeout pitch, but it gets a lot of balls off the end of the bat and his splitty is nasty against lefties or righties."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=9bd8e25c0521b2131302226dd6aaf8e9 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1442917/rss 13290791431442917 MLB,NYY,LAD Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:39:03 EST Scott Kazmir will throw for scouts in Houston on Wednesday.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=45e416f62e79491fec07d11c4ec7b13e http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/483346/rss 1329078768483346 MLB,LAA,HOU Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:32:48 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=45e416f62e79491fec07d11c4ec7b13e&p=4 45e416f62e79491fec07d11c4ec7b13e ]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:32:48 EST The Sports Xchange reports Yankees C Russell Martin is healthy going into spring training, a change from his first season as a Yankee, when he was finishing up rehab on an injured hip and knee. Before 2011 spring training, Martin had little chance to build power in his legs, so a full winter of workouts "will be a huge difference," Martin told the New York Daily News. Martin believes, in fact, that he might be the fittest Yankee in camp this year. "If there's any guys in more shape than me, I"d be surprised," Martin said. "If there are, I'd be happy, because I'm coming ready this year." Martin also said he's already begun taking swings, something he didn't do until a few days before spring training began last year.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=7a43408f8a502fed1322409d8b99153c http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/483767/rss 1329078331483767 MLB,NYY Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:25:31 EST The Sports Xchange reports Twins OF Denard Span, recovering from a concussion and migraines that limited him last season, has been doing eye exercises this offseason. He works on a computer program. "I do it three or four times a week for about a half hour," he said. "It's just strengthening up my focus, keeping my eyes focused on the target, stuff like that. That's definitely been good."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8b18d9f76bcaff7f1b484d8b6e438668 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/549986/rss 1329077686549986 MLB,MIN Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:14:46 EST The Sports Xchange reports Nate Adcock was with the Royals last season after being a Rule 5 draft pick from the Pirates. Adcock, who made three spot starts and mostly worked in long relief, will be a rotation candidate in spring training. He went to the Arizona Fall League to throw more innings. Adcock, however, could go back to the minors if he fails to land a job in March. He had not pitched above Class A before last season.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=1a29808a16d9a76ef6675b3ba825e22c http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1753910/rss 13290771751753910 MLB,ARI,KC,PIT Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:06:15 EST The Sports Xchange reports Jacob Turner might have the highest ceiling among the handful of candidates for Detroit's vacant fifth starter spot, but prudence might dictate he smooth out some rough edges for a half-season in the minors. GM Dave Dombrowski recently cited lefties Andy Oliver, Drew Smyly, Duane Below, Casey Crosby and Adam Wilk as among the contenders for the rotation along with Turner, who would make it an all-right-handed starting staff were he to emerge this spring. "I feel comfortable if Below or Wilk were the No. 5 starter, that they could do a job for us out there," Dombrowski said. "But unless something really surprises me, they don't have the overall upside of a Jacob Turner, who I'm not really sure is ready or not. I don't know if we'll know that until we get down there (to Florida), see him perform and also see some of those other guys perform."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=e2c663da08820bc77337cc781d646297 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1699971/rss 13290767901699971 MLB,DET Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:59:50 EST The Sports Xchange reports SP prospect Drew Smyly, Detroit's second choice in the 2010 draft, has a solid chance to make the Tigers' roster in a multi-pitcher battle for the club's fifth rotation spot. GM Dave Dombrowski tagged Smyly, who pitched better at Double-A than he did in high Class A, is "one guy I'm interested in seeing because I've not seen much of him. He's only been in the organization one year, but some people in our minor league system feel he's ready to pitch in the big leagues right now."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=87fd0754783ed4cda4aeeece5917c0c2 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1840445/rss 13290765921840445 MLB,DET Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:56:32 EST The Sports Xchange reports OF Michael Brantley will go to training camp as the starter in left field, according to manager Manny Acta. Brantley finished the 2011 season on the disabled list because of a hand injury that resulted in surgery on Aug. 23 to remove a broken hamate bone in his right hand. Acta said Brantley will be ready to resume baseball activities in spring training.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=485c1a046a313a12323097a64b63ff4a http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1103277/rss 13290761261103277 MLB,CLE Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:48:46 EST The Sports Xchange reports Reds prospect Billy Hamilton will continue to play exclusively as shortstop this season. Hamilton played some second base his first two years in the organization. "Good shortstops are hard to find," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=881e038218d100d88b074e3209cd56dd http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1799465/rss 13290759341799465 MLB,CIN Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:45:34 EST The Denver Post reports while the Rockies are pleased with Jorge De La Rosa's progress, they will continue to be cautious with him. De La Rosa, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery last summer, is already throwing in bullpen sessions. "He is way ahead, but we are not going to push him," GM Dan O'Dowd said. "There's a difference between being ahead and being major-league sharp. Our goal is not just getting De La Rosa back to the big leagues, our goal is getting De La Rosa back to where he can get outs at the big-league level."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=6cabcf1eb2c0920a4c77f22fd86d6f87 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/284591/rss 1329075527284591 MLB,COL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:38:47 EST The Sports Xchange reports Rockies 1B Todd Helton, 38, had a nice comeback season in 2011, hitting .302 with 14 homers and 69 RBI in 124 games along with a .385 on-base percentage and .466 slugging percentage. Helton is under contract for two more seasons, at which point he will be 40. Regardless of whether he plays beyond 2013, Helton, who has had lower back soreness in recent seasons, knows his days on the field are winding down. "I try to enjoy it more," he said. "When you're not hurting out there, it's fun, but when you get older and you creak a little bit more, your body hurts a little bit more, and it's a young man's game. I realize my days are numbered, but I'm enjoying every one of them."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=3542e6c426f86f008f12174dca902a65 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7700/rss 13290752287700 MLB,COL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:33:48 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=3542e6c426f86f008f12174dca902a65&p=4 3542e6c426f86f008f12174dca902a65 ]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:33:48 EST The Sports Xchange reports Rockies RP Rafael Betancourt will bring the same mindset to his new role this season. He will begin the year as the Rockies closer, the first time in his career Betancourt has ever began a season closing. He went 8 for 9 in save situations after he became the closer in August, taking over for the since-traded Huston Street when Street was on the disabled list. "Even when I started closing last year, I didn't change anything," Betancourt said. "I didn't change my routine or anything when I came to the games. I just try to get three outs or however many I need to finish the game. That's all that's in my mind. I'm not thinking about, 'Oh, I'm the closer now.' All I'm thinking about is going into the game and finishing.".


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=712325a8d304e6169ac4497a830bd543 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/223412/rss 1329074881223412 MLB,COL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:28:01 EST The Sports Xchange reports CF Marlon Byrd is the expected starter in center field for Chicago, with hot prospect Brett Jackson expected to open the season at Triple-A Iowa. The 34-year-old Byrd, entering the final year of his contract, batted only .198 with runners in scoring position last year, including .118 with the bases loaded. He missed six weeks of the season after being hit in the face with a pitch last May in Boston and hit only nine home runs, his lowest total since he hit five with Washington in 2006. If Jackson gets off to a hot start in the minor leagues, it's possible the Cubs will look to trade Byrd.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8ae54e6aaff06660752067ca97235191 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/284578/rss 1329074374284578 MLB,BOS,CHC,WAS Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:19:34 EST The Sports Xchange reports Cubs RP Carlos Marmol will be under the microscope this spring after blowing 10 saves in 44 chances last year. Command always has been the issue for Marmol, who hit nine batters and walked 48 last year in 74 innings. When he's on, he's difficult to hit. During a recent appearance on a Chicago radio show, general manager Jed Hoyer said the Cubs want and need much better from Marmol. "I don't think what happened last year is acceptable," Hoyer told ESPN radio in Chicago. "I think there's nothing more demoralizing to a baseball team than to win for 2:45 and then lose in the last 10 (minutes). I think that happened a lot last year. If you look back, this guy has had some dominant years. ... Everyone said the slider wasn't quite the same last (season)."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d6c25874819ab10d221362416f5eebb9 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/580591/rss 1329073755580591 MLB,CHC Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:09:15 EST Evan Longoria underwent minor surgery in November to remove the Morton's neuroma condition in his left foot, reports the St. Petersburg Times. The news was actually reported by pitcher David Price and has been confirmed. Longoria dealt with the nerve issue for periods of time during the 2011 season.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d0c84075555b27d8b05759153abb53f7 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1114751/rss 13290713831114751 MLB,TB Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:29:43 EST St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that "concerns exist" that the Cardinals will consider limiting SP Chris Carpenter's innings this season. Carpenter has thrown 508 innings over the last two seasons and does have a complicated medical history, including elbow and nerve problems. Carpenter is entering his age 37 season and the Cardinals may look to protect a $21 million investment by lessening his workload.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=8b1a2ba9d7470b2bbd24a7f2a8f502bb http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/7495/rss 13290707487495 MLB,STL Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:19:08 EST Alex Cobb (ribs) has been throwing bullpen sessions with no limitations, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Cobb had season-ending thoracic outlet surgery last August in order to remove a blood clot and part of a rib. "I’m 100 percent," said Cobb. "I feel better than I did last year."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=90fbcc8183a4c26165e020bcf2b7e652 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1784973/rss 13290704081784973 MLB,TB Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:13:28 EST Los Angeles Times reported the details of a November car accident that involved Dodgers 1B James Loney. Loney said he acted strangely following the accident due to suffering a blow to the head. Loney apparently sideswiped two cars and passed out with the car parked in the fast lane. When he came around, Loney attempted to flee the scene and wound up hitting another car. Police said he was acting strangely as well. A blood test came back negative for drugs and alcohol, however. Loney was not charged. He is presumably OK now.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=0d5c08403bb2b25ef3d1fa162c541a0f http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/390777/rss 1329070109390777 MLB,LAD Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:08:29 EST Russ Mitchell to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday after he cleared waivers. Mitchell was designated for assignment by the Dodgers recently.


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=d9a3d11370365f777afc136b6b262bc4 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1599777/rss 13290664701599777 MLB,LAD Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:07:50 EST Chase Headley is ready to become a run producer for San Diego this season, reports MLB.com on Saturday. Headley would like to hit more than four homers this season. "I hope that four home runs was just a strange year for me," Headley said. "I feel like I should hit more than that and I will hit more than that. I think it's picking spots to do a little more damage and being aggressive with guys in scoring position."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=b45578ed9a7db60bf8f8d894748d9ac7 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1103791/rss 13290662831103791 MLB,SD Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:04:43 EST http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=b45578ed9a7db60bf8f8d894748d9ac7&p=4 b45578ed9a7db60bf8f8d894748d9ac7 ]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:04:43 EST Andrew Cashner only has one goal in mind when it comes to the 2012 season with his new team the Padres, reports MLB.com. Cashner wants to remain healthy. Cashner said he's never been more excited to begin a season. "Last year ... it was what it was," said Cashner, who is expected to serve as the Padres' eighth-inning specialist, setting up new closer Huston Street. "I've really put in a lot of work during the offseason, getting ready."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=c575bb2d8ff2819bfb3e02b0e400de27 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1661425/rss 13290658171661425 MLB,SD Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:56:57 EST J.P. Arencibia will be much wiser and more prepared when he gets to spring training, reports MLB.com on Friday. Arencibia, who was able to set the franchise record for home runs by a catcher last year with 23 over 129 games to go with 78 RBI, will better know what to expect this time around. "Another year of experience gives you the comfort of, 'This is my staff, these are the guys I'm going to work with, this is my job,'" Arencibia said recently. "It's been the year I've been most motivated ever to just get better in the offseason, training as hard as I've ever trained, to just get ready for the whole season."


]]> http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=9b0545383d061c2c9abdeb44bb5bf684 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1522585/rss 13290654781522585 MLB,TOR Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:51:18 EST