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 …

Steinbrenner talks about futures of Cashman, Girardi and A-Rod  —  Clockwise from left: Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman, Alex Rodriguez and manager Joe Girardi  —  TAMPA — Take the hot seat away.  No one is on it for the Yankees.  It is only spring training, as owner Hal Steinbrenner sees it.

Blue Jays lose outfielder Michael Saunders with knee injury  —  Bad news has struck the Toronto Blue Jays with the news that new leftfielder Michael Saunders suffered a knee injury while shagging flies on Wednesday and will require surgery.  —  Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos delivered …

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.”

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 …

Padres prospect a defensive standout, looking to improve at plate  —  Bud Black discusses Austin Hedges' development and maturity at camp and how the catching prospect can move up in the organization  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Austin Hedges is well aware that after two grim offensive seasons in the Texas League …

Francisco Rodriguez Agrees To Terms With Unidentified Team  —  Veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez has an agreement in place with an as-yet unidentified team, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports on Twitter.  While Rodriguez's destination is not yet known, it is not the Marlins …

Byrd embraces high expectations in first year with Reds  —  Marlon Byrd warms up for batting practice at Reds Spring Training.  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — As the biggest acquisition made by the Reds in the offseason, which was to fill their biggest need in left field, Marlon Byrd is keenly aware that expectations for him are high.

Schmidt takes Domonic Brown under his wing  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - The greatest hitter in Phillies history gripped a red bat Wednesday afternoon.  He had just finished overseeing batting practice for his hitting group and was demonstrating for an observer the focus of his work with his most-scrutinized student.

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 …

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.

Slowly, Phillies enter analytics era  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Last week, Pat Gillick sat in the lobby of Bright House Field and said the “A” word.  He did not scoff.  He did not swear.  He did not speak in tongues or smoke at the ears.  The question was simple: What role …

‘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.