McCarthy faces hitters for first time since injury  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For the first time since being struck in the head by a line drive on Sept. 5, D-backs right-hander Brandon McCarthy faced a batter Monday in a live batting-practice session.  —  As with most of his teammates …

Cubs to improve seventh-inning stretch, modernize music at Wrigley  —  MESA, Ariz. - The seventh-inning stretch has been a polarizing part of Chicago Cubs games since the introduction of guest conductors in 1998, the year Harry Caray died.  —  Some fans love it, while others wish the tradition …

Alfonso Soriano: No trade as long as Cubs are contending  —  MESA, Ariz. — Monday afternoon, in a grassy spot between a baseball field and the Cubs' row of spring bullpen mounds, a few young Cubs players set up a series of platforms ranging from a foot high to about 3 feet high.

Brewers have checked on Carp  —  Mariners general manager Jack Zdurencik told me tonight that he was engaged with a “good number” of teams about Mike Carp, the outfielder-first baseman designated for assignment last week, and was closing on a trade.  —  “I would say there's a good chance …

Kimbrel coming up aces on mound, golf course  —  Braves closer one of the best in baseball, looks to repeat dominating ‘12 campaign  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The talk of the Braves’ clubhouse on Tuesday morning was not Chipper Jones' pending team Hall of Fame induction and jersey retirement.

Can Bucs finally end The Streak?  —  BRADENTON, FLA.  —  Another spring at Pirate City, and we're still talking about The Streak.  —  The Pirates have finished with a losing record 20 years in a row.  It is the longest slog of ineptitude in major U.S. professional sports.

Frank Francisco says his elbow has improved  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Mets reliever Frank Francisco reported feeling some improvement in his troublesome right elbow, though manager Terry Collins said it's still unclear when the pitcher will be cleared to throw.

Top 100 Prospect Tidbits  —  • Of the 1,146 players to be on a Top 100 Prospects list from 1990-2009, 1,020 (89 percent) made the major leagues.  —  • Top 100 Prospects players have won 29 MVP awards, 19 Cy Young Awards and 38 Rookie of the Year awards.

Cornerstone at the hot corner?  —  Budding third baseman Middlebrooks sees himself with Red Sox for long term  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks was sitting at his locker and putting his uniform on when teammate Dustin Pedroia leaned in close.  —  “You see my guy?”

Francona can live with K's as long as runs follow  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — There could be a steady breeze in Cleveland this summer and Lake Erie might not be the only thing to blame.  The Indians are anticipating a high volume of strikeouts from their hitters this season.

Yankees will have to sign Robinson Cano, and hope he turns out more like Derek Jeter than Alex Rodriguez  —  Cano is the only Yankees player in his prime at the age of 30, if the Bombers plan is to stay competitive rather than rebuild, their only choice is to re-sign him

Pirates' Martin to try shortstop in WBC  —  BRADENTON, FLA.  —  Russell Martin is a catcher.  He's a good one, too, beginning his first season as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  —  Martin, 30, has played nearly 1,000 games in the major leagues — not one as a shortstop.