Maddon Makes Debut With Cubs in Spring Tie With A's  —  MESA, Ariz. — Manager Joe Maddon made his spring debut with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, a 2-2 tie against Barry Zito and the Oakland Athletics.  —  Travis Wood pitched two perfect innings for a split-squad of Cubs, and Mike Olt hit a two-run homer in the second inning.

MLB's decision on Josh Hamilton could come as early as next week  —  FOX Sports  —  An arbitrator will be needed to decide Josh Hamilton's punishment.  —  A decision by Major League Baseball on discipline for Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton is expected before Opening Day and could come …

‘Boring’ Cardinals know how to win  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals are the team the tabloids and shock-jock shows love to hate.  —  You looking for a juicy quote?  Maybe stir up a little controversy?  Sorry, wrong camp.  —  You looking for pizzazz, a little flair, or at least someone to brag about themselves?

Brian Cashman says Derek Jeter should be last Yankees captain  —  Derek Jeter was the longest tenured captain in the storied history of the Yankees.  Brian Cashman thinks he should also be the last.  —  Speaking on The Mike Lupica Show on ESPN Radio Thursday, the Yankees general manager suggested …

Ethier must prove his worth in crowded outfield  —  Andre Ethier's offensive production dropped in 2014 and he may have to bounce back in a platoon role because of his struggles with lefties  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Andre Ethier got it right.  —  He wasn't making waves or creating problems …

Sources: Cuban Hector Olivera could have damaged UCL in throwing arm  —  Serious concern exists that Cuban infielder Hector Olivera has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, potentially hindering the market for a free agent who many expected to contribute in the major leagues this season, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Vogelsong Allows Slam in Giants' Win; Hunter Pence Hurt  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Vogelsong gave up a grand slam to Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs first pick of last June's draft, but the San Francisco Giants rallied to beat a Chicago split-squad 8-6 on Thursday.

Rockies right-handers Chacin, Butler up and down vs. D-Backs  —  TOPICS  —  Scottsdale, Ariz. — Their lines didn't look particularly good, but there was incremental progress for Rockies right-handers Jhoulys Chacin and Eddie Butler in their Cactus League debuts Thursday afternoon against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields.

‘I thought the bat looked slow’: Scouts on A-Rod  —  The Yankees' Alex Rodriguez at bat in the 6th inning Wednesday.  —  TAMPA — If this were opening night of a Broadway play, it might not reach a second show.  —  “I thought the bat looked slow,” a scout in attendance said.

Pair among arms vying for two spots on starting staff  —  3/4/15: Anthony DeSclafani discusses his approach and details his game plan during his Spring Training debut in a 4-2 loss vs. the Indians  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians and Reds had their rotation competitions on display on Wednesday afternoon …

Zack Wheeler, Mets have something to prove against Nationals this season  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler was talking about how much fun it will be matching up against the Nationals this season, when suddenly he turned the conversation in a direction that suggests the Mets are itching …

Royals pitcher Tim Collins to undergo MRI after leaving game with elbow injury  —  Tim Collins could not remember the exact hitter he was facing, but he knew the pitch.  It was a curveball in the fifth inning of the Royals' 13-2 victory over Texas in their Cactus League opener.  Collins thought it was a strike.