2/23
CONTRACT EXTENSION
Yankees: The club gave Brett Gardner a four-year, $52 million contract
extension that also includes a club option for a fifth year.
REPORTS, RUMORS and SPECULATION
Angels: There's a report that the club is discussing a six-year, $150 million
extension with Mike Trout.
Johan Santana: He's drawing interest from at least three AL clubs and aims for
a June season debut.
Pirates: The club continues to look for a first baseman .
Red Sox: Mike Carp is giving third base a shot, and that would be very valuable
for Boston if he could play an adequate third .
Reds: They're looking to bring back Scott Rolen as some type of instructor.
Rockies: They have decided against playing Carlos Gonzalez full-time in center
field. Instead, he'll stay in left with Drew Stubbs, Charlie Blackmon and Corey
Dickerson the options in center .
INJURY UPDATES
Cardinals: Jason Motte is 9 1/2 months from having Tommy John surgery and
Sunday threw his first session to a crouching catcher.
Orioles: Pitching prospect Dylan Bundy is continuing to progress in his
recovery from Tommy John surgery. He is throwing at 75 percent and could throw
at 180 feet as soon as Thursday.
Phillies: Cole Hamels is still expected to miss at least a start to begin the
regular season, but he is making "tremendous progress" in his work back from
shoulder tendinitis.
Rangers: Matt Harrison has been dealing with back issues, but he now says that
he has changed mattresses and feels 100 percent.
Reds: Mat Latos is progressing in his return from arthroscopic knee surgery and
has been throwing at distances of 100-120 feet. He's ahead of schedule in his
rehab.
Rockies: Starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin has been shut down with shoulder
inflammation and is going to have an MRI.
Tigers: Alex Avila missed his second straight day of workouts due to back
spasms, but he should get back in the swing of things Monday. Reliever Bruce
Rondon threw live batting practice after missing a few days due to allergies.
Finally, Justin Verlander is scheduled to throw his first live bullpen session
of the spring