Alderson: Too much focus on second base  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — In just a few days' time, the gaggle of candidates the Mets have at second base could be trimmed.  —  “That's a possibility, yeah,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Wednesday after a 4-3 loss to the Twins.

Burnett fine after being hit by foul ball  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Nationals left-hander Sean Burnett was scheduled to pitch two innings in Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Astros, but he only pitched one after he was struck on the left knee by teammate Nyjer Morgan's foul ball in the first.

Marty Marion dies; shortstop was MVP with '44 Cards  —  Marty Marion, known as “Mr. Shortstop” to a generation of St. Louis Cardinals fans, died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday night, according to his nephew, Scott Marion.  —  Mr. Marion was 93 and lived in Ladue.

2011 spring training: Terry Francona names Jon Lester Boston Red Sox opening starter  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona made it official Wednesday morning, naming Jon Lester his Opening Day starter against the Rangers on April 1 in Arlington, Texas.

In Long's mind, sky's the limit for Cano  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Robinson Cano has muscled his way into the discussion of the game's top second basemen, but his hitting coach believes there is even more to offer.  —  Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long said on Wednesday that he believes Cano could hit …

Griffey says he retired for betterment of Mariners  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Ken Griffey Jr. returned to the Mariners on Wednesday for the first time since his retirement this past June 2.  He's back as a special consultant, and spoke about his decision to retire for the first time since then.

Details of Felix Hernandez's no-trade clause  —  File this one away for July.  —  Felix Hernandez has a 10-team no-trade clause in his contract with the Seattle Mariners.  During this season, the right-hander will be able to block deals to the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox …

Royals rotation 1 short headed into season  —  SURPRISE, Ariz.—With three days off early next month, the Kansas City Royals plan to start the season with a four-man rotation and keep an extra position player for the first 13 games.  —  The Royals open the season March 31 against the Los Angeles Angels …

Doctors can't save Braves minor league manager's eye  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Surgeons could not save the left eye of Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar, who was hit in the face by a foul ball last week.  —  The former major league player had the eye removed during surgery Tuesday …

Bradley Ejected, Brewers Beat M's 5-4  —  PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Milton Bradley got ejected early, and Jeremy Reed singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth to help the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Mariners 5-4 Wednesday night.  —  “He said one too many things, so that was a short night for him,” Mariners manager Eric Wedge said.

Rookie Trumbo is Angels' secret weapon  —  TEMPE, ARIZ.  —  First, I interview Angels center fielder Torii Hunter.  Then, I interview hitting coach Mickey Hatcher.  —  Both volunteer that rookie first baseman Mark Trumbo might redefine the baseball definition of “damage.”