Farrell addresses an issue with Aceves  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Alfredo Aceves took the mound on Field 4 on Sunday afternoon to throw live batting practice to teammate Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  The drill is designed to simulate game conditions for the pitcher and hitter.

Wilpon should make good on debt-free claim by pursuing closer Valverde  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Since Fred Wilpon just announced to the world he's debt-free and ready to spend, well ... here's a free agent for the taking who could help immediately:  —  The door remains “slightly ajar” …

Downsized expectations for Red Sox' Mike Napoli  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — He was a catcher, now he is a first baseman.  He had a three-year, $39 million contract, now he has a one-year, $5 million contract.  He was a 31-year-old athlete with more fortune and glory ahead of him.

Peralta won't play in Classic  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Joel Peralta confirmed on Sunday morning that he would not be participating for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, and noted he was disappointed about that fact.  —  “The main thing is, this is probably the only chance …

Kotchman embraces chance with newest team  —  Signed by Miami to provide depth at first, veteran is on sixth different squad since '09  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Moving from team to team can have its advantages.  —  Casey Kotchman, the newest member of the Marlins, certainly is experiencing some.

Ex-Astro Roger Clemens responds to Mike Piazza's unfulfilled desire for karate revenge  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Former Astros pitcher Roger Clemens on Sunday morning discussed Mike Piazza's comments in a recent autobiography about wanting to get revenge on the seven-time Cy Young-winner.

MLB set for arbitration shutout  —  NEW YORK — Baseball is set to finish its first arbitration shutout.  —  Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey and San Diego Padres left-hander Clayton Richard agreed to one-year contracts Saturday, making it all but certain there will be no salary arbitration hearings …

Trade rumors behind him, Kubel's focus on field  —  After late-season struggles, D-backs outfielder determined to produce all year  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Based on the hot stove chatter, the fact that Jason Kubel was in D-backs camp when it opened this past week was a bit of a surprise.

Rangers notes: Last season's collapse a distant memory  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Last season's collapse is a distant memory in the Texas Rangers' clubhouse.  —  So distant that manager Ron Washington spent little time addressing it during his annual speech before the first full-squad workout Saturday morning.

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. …

Brenly: Deal to return to Cubs' booth fell through at last minute  —  Former Chicago Cubs TV analyst Bob Brenly talks about how he was set to return to the Cubs until a last-minute snag in negotiations.  —  MESA, Ariz. - Former Chicago Cubs TV analyst Bob Brenly said he was planning to return …