Ben Cherington checks in: Red Sox medical staff, ex-Sox gripes, Jacoby Ellsbury and health updates  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox GM Ben Cherington offered thoughts on a number of topics at JetBlue Park following the Sox' full workout today.  Among them:  — With Jacoby Ellsbury entering …

Sophomore jump for Jordany Valdespin?  He has a lot of competition  —  Photo credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa |  Mets left fielder Jordany Valdespin fields a ground ball during spring training baseball in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2013)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. …

Giants confident Sandoval will drop weight  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Concerns about third baseman Pablo Sandoval's weight have become a rite of spring.  —  Sandoval's waistline is again an issue.  “I don't think that question will go away, to be quite honest,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday.

Bourn takes a while to find new team  —  GOODYEAR, ARIZ.  —  “Interesting winter,” I said to Michael Bourn.  —  “You have no clue!”  Bourn replied, eyes wide, laughing.  —  Bourn had just entered the Cleveland Indians clubhouse for the first time.  He had no nameplate above his locker.

Dodgers' Greinke learning about himself and his social anxiety disorder  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Zack Greinke is not unique.  —  He hates traffic as much as anyone transplanted to Southern California.  In fact, after signing with the Dodgers as a free agent this winter, he wanted to live on a beach.

Vizquel longs to play, but embraces new role  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Somewhere in the 45-year-old mind of potential future Hall of Famer Omar Vizquel, there's the thought that he can still play in the Majors and at a high level.  —  At some point, though, all players have to deal with finality — ageless Vizquel included.

Posada to serve as guest instructor this spring  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Jorge Posada is listed among the guest instructors expected in Yankees camp this spring, but manager Joe Girardi said he doesn't know when to expect the five-time World Series winner.  —  “I'm not sure exactly when he's coming,” Girardi said.

Start of something big: Chapman's transition begins  —  Reds stay mum on details of left-hander's move from bullpen to rotation  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The bold decision by the Reds to have pitcher Aroldis Chapman shift from closer to the rotation this spring has been one of the most talked about scenarios in baseball all winter.

Crane addresses Astros before first workout  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros owner Jim Crane addressed the club prior to the first full-squad workout on Saturday, along with general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager Bo Porter.  —  “I gave them a little bit of my background,” Crane said.

Bailey, Reds agree to $5.35M, 1-year contract  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Right-hander Homer Bailey and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Saturday to a $5.35 million, one-year contract, ensuring baseball will set a record low for salary arbitration hearings.  —  No cases have been argued …

Soler impressive in first spring appearance  —  MESA, Ariz. — Jorge Soler reported to Cubs camp Friday and hit a home run in his first batting practice session.  That's not really news, but watching the 6-foot-4 Cuban outfielder swing is definitely an event.