Josh Hamilton meets with MLB officials about a disciplinary issue  —  Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton is meeting with Major League Baseball officials Wednesday about a disciplinary issue, and the team is bracing for possible penalties.  —  General Manager Jerry Dipoto confirmed that Hamilton …

Fiers not letting Stanton beanball affect pitching style  —  Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers talks about feeling the need to earn his spot in the rotation and what he needs to work on in Spring Training  —  PHOENIX — Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers still thinks about the wayward fastball …

Lee faces hitters, ready for next step  —  After throwing off the mound with the rest of the Phillies projected starting rotation on Thursday, the first day of official workouts in Clearwater, Cliff Lee did not join Cole Hamels, Aaron Harang and company when they were back on the bumps Saturday.

Nick Markakis on Orioles: 'Don't believe a word they say'  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Outfielder Nick Markakis had some pointed words for the Baltimore Orioles, telling USA TODAY Sports, “Don't believe a word they say,” regarding his offseason departure.  —  Markakis, 31, signed a four-year …

SPORTS BLUE JAYS  —  PHOENIX -  —  One popular winter-time theory making the rounds is that the Toronto Blue Jays, with their off-season moves, made a dramatic change to the clubhouse culture.  —  Brett Lawrie?  Traded.  —  Juan Francisco, who started more games at third than Lawrie?  Long gone.

Nationals' Bryce Harper: 'I'm going to bring back a title to D.C.'  —  Bryce Harper arrived at Nationals camp Wednesday morning.  By midday, he was at batting practice with his teammates.  He was hitting so many Matt Williams tosses out that the Nationals manager said nearly required another bucket.

Red Sox's Ortiz calls B.S. at MLB pace rules  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz launched a vivid and occasionally hilarious rant against baseball's new pace of play rules, especially the one that stipulates a batter keep one foot in the box at all times [with some exceptions].

Padres chair: It was time to make changes  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — As the full squad of his remodeled club stretched in front of him for the first time, Padres chairman Ron Fowler was asked about the flurry of offseason moves that have brought excitement and a record payroll to San Diego.

Young arms give Mets fans hope after six years of woe  —  Putting all of your chips on young pitching might not be the safest bet.  —  Then again, we're talking about the New York Mets.  Ownership's bet on Bernie Madoff is why they don't have enough chips to bet on much of anything these days.

Gluten-free Teixeira craves 30 HRs, 100 RBIs  —  TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is now gluten free, sugar free and dairy free, which he hopes will keep him injury free.  —  Teixeira's belief in his new diet and renewed weightlifting program makes him believe …

Former All-Star slugger set club record with 144 RBIs in 2000  —  Royals great Mike Sweeney on his era of baseball and the All-Star Game coming to Kansas City  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Being elected into the Royals Hall of Fame on Wednesday was at least a small bit of light in what has been a dark two months for Mike Sweeney.