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 …

Slugger brings charm to new clubhouse, confident that Majors' best outfield resides in San Diego  —  Outfielder Matt Kemp talks about the health of his hips and fresh outlook with the Padres as he prepares for the season with a new team  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Spotting a familiar face …

Pirates willing to consider high salary number to keep McCutchen  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — When Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton signed his $325 million contract in the offseason, it shook the financial landscape of baseball.  —  The aftershocks will be felt in the Pirates front office …

Longtime A's second baseman Mark Ellis retires  —  Mark Ellis, who spent nine of his 12 major-league seasons with the A's, is retiring.  —  “It was definitely time,” Ellis told The Chronicle on Wednesday evening.  “My kids are getting older and I kind of realized it was time to do something else.”

Sounds' new park will honor Negro Leagues  —  The history of professional baseball in Nashville with special recognition paid to the Negro Leagues will be told in a number of ways at the Sounds' new First Tennessee Park.  —  The park is scheduled to open on April 17.

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 …

‘Swiss Army knife’ of Brewers' staff to be stretched out during Spring Training  —  Tyler Thornburg and Ron Roenicke discuss the right-hander's expected role with the Brewers' pitching staff this season  —  PHOENIX — Tyler Thornburg would love to settle into a set role.

Rangers' Darvish faces first hitters since Aug.  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish faced hitters for the first time since last August, throwing 30 pitches against teammates during batting practice Wednesday.  —  Darvish missed the final seven weeks last season because of right elbow inflammation.

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].

Ryan Braun healthy, ready to go  —  PHOENIX — Ryan Braun can't pinpoint the exact date, but he can remember with some clarity when his right thumb began bothering him.  —  “It was a changeup against Joe Kelly in St. Louis,” Braun said Wednesday as he reported to spring training with the rest of Milwaukee's position players.

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.

Through Years of Change, Pawtucket, R.I., Always Had McCoy Stadium  —  The icy reminder of a baseball truth has blown down from New England, down from a Rhode Island city forever described as gritty, or struggling, or, more politely, challenged.  No doubt you have seen signs …

MLB supports California bill that would ban tobacco at ballpark  —  David Ortiz rips into a package of chewing tobacco.  (Getty)  —  A bill set to be introduced in the California state legislature would ban the use of smokeless tobacco in major league ballparks, an initiative that Major League Baseball says it supports.

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.