Rangers May Pick Up Adrian Beltre's 2016 Option  —  Adrian Beltre's contract can be voided prior to the 2016 season if he doesn't reach 586 plate appearances this season.  However, Rangers GM Jon Daniels says that he's considering taking that clause out of the equation and bringing him back regardless …

Spring flings serious business for Reds pitchers  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — It has all the awkward tension of a junior-high dance: Nobody wants to be left out, everyone has an ideal mate in their head and the consequences can last an entire month.  —  Reds pitchers and catchers had their first workout Thursday …

No surprise, Teheran expected to start opening day  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - In what should come as a surprise to no one, the Braves are planning to name All-Star Julio Teheran their opening day starter for the second consecutive season.  —  Manager Fredi Gonzalez probably won't announce …

Amaro apologizes to Howard  —  Before departing for Clearwater, Ruben Amaro Jr. reached out to Ryan Howard and asked him to come into the office.  —  Within the last two weeks, the embattled general manager spoke with the beleaguered first baseman.  Amaro, mainly, wanted to make amends …

David Price, Tigers expect max effort to strike deal  —  LAKELAND, Fla. - David Price joked with the Detroit Tigers clubhouse attendants Sundays, signed autographs for nearly 45 minutes, pumped fists with teammates' kids, and strolled out of the door for a leisurely drive back to his Tampa condo.

Choate hopes to resume specialist role  —  JUPITER, Fla. _ Veteran lefthander Randy Choate and Matheny have discussed Choate's occasional unhappiness last year that he wasn't used as much for lefthander-on-lefthander specialty purposes, which basically why Choate was given a three-year contract before the 2013 season.

How to Pitch a Perfect Game at Your Oscar Party  —  Hello.  I'm John Axford, a Major League Baseball pitcher who happens to watch a ton of films when I'm not chasing my toddlers around the house attempting to feed them, or cultivating my award-winning mustache.  Last year, I went 18-for-18 picking the Oscars on Twitter.

Angels' Albert Pujols might need an Olympic break in a few years  —  Albert Pujols raised the possibility of retiring before his 10-year, $240-million contract expires in 2021, but not for the reasons one might think.  —  The Angels first baseman, who turned 35 in January …

Yankees' CC Sabathia enters spring training at 305 pounds, knows he has a lot to prove in 2015  —  TAMPA — Size matters.  Just ask CC Sabathia.  —  The former AL Cy Young winner reported to Yankees camp tipping the scales at 305 pounds, admitting that his drastic weight loss in 2013 and '14 might have affected him more than he knew.

SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  The question did not become The Question until hours after Alex Gordon braked at third base.  When he walked off the diamond of Kauffman Stadium, after the final out in the final inning of the final game of the World Series, Gordon did not ponder the wisdom of Mike Jirschele's stop sign.

B.J. Upton will now go by Melvin Upton Jr.  —  Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal Constitution shares the breaking news ...  Melvin Emanuel Upton Jr. is his birth name.  The 30-year-old outfielder may be looking to turn over a new leaf after struggling mightily in his first two seasons with the Braves.

Ryan Madson rejuvenated after time away from baseball, excited for chance with Royals  —  At 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, Ryan Madson breezed through the double doors of the Royals complex unaware of the landmark awaiting him on his odyssey back from Tommy John surgery.  He wheeled a suitcase in one hand.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi is open to two closers  —  TAMPA — Dellin Betances?  Andrew Miller?  Both?  Welcome to the Yankees' closer situation.  —  Last year, David Robertson had a seamless transition as Mariano Rivera's successor, but the Yankees enter this spring without a clear-cut answer at the closer spot.