MLB News Blog

Former major leaguer Frank Torre needs a kidney transplant because of medication he’s taken since receiving a new heart more than a decade ago. The 75-year-old, who spent seven seasons with the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies from 1956-63, had a heart transplant in October 1996. The following day he watched from his hospital bed [...]

New San Diego Padres manager Bud Black enjoyed running his first spring training workout Thursday, even if it was a voluntary practice for pitchers and catchers. “Everything is new,” said Black, a rookie big league manager. “And without being overly dramatic, it is exciting. Each step that I take is a new one.” Black was [...]

Mitts popping, sun shining — spring training is underway! Barry Bonds’ contract was approved at last, while Alfonso Soriano, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Barry Zito were among the big names already in camp Thursday as nine teams opened workouts for pitchers and catchers around Florida and Arizona. Kerry Wood is sidelined again (after slipping out [...]

New York Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca is completely healthy following offseason thumb surgery — and he would love a contract extension. “I’ve been vocal that I want to stay here,” the four-time All-Star said Thursday after reporting to spring training. Lo Duca, who will turn 35 in April, is entering the final season of [...]

Daisuke Matsuzaka revealed Thursday that his first pitch to a spring training opponent will be a fastball.
He also revealed a side of his personality that could endear him to Red Sox fans even before he throws that pitch.
“I would like my first batter, if he is listening,” Matsuzaka said with a grin, “please, try not [...]

Joe Torre spoke to Bernie Williams and the message from the New York Yankees’ manager was clear: Come to spring training. Williams, feeling slighted by the only major league team he’s played for, has thus far refused to accept a minor league contract. After Torre left some telephone messages, the 38-year-old outfielder called back on [...]

Daisuke Matsuzaka revealed Thursday that his first pitch to a spring training opponent will be a fastball.
He also revealed a side of his personality that could endear him to Red Sox fans even before he throws that pitch.
“I would like my first batter, if he is listening,” Matsuzaka said with a grin, “please, try not [...]

On the first morning of spring training, Seattle manager Mike Hargrove was fired up about his hot seat. Mariners chairman and CEO Howard Lincoln declared six months ago that Hargrove and general manager Bill Bavasi “are on my hot seat” for 2007, following the team’s third consecutive last-place finish in the AL West.
Read the full [...]

Alfonso Soriano strolled into the clubhouse, slipped on his gear and began a transition he hopes is smoother than his last one. Instead of balking at a position switch, he welcomed it. Instead of a standoff, he vowed to do whatever the Chicago Cubs asked. And instead of a rough beginning, he made a good [...]

Daisuke Matsuzaka smiled at some questions, grew pensive about others and responded with a mixture of diplomacy and directness.
In his first spring training news conference Thursday, Boston’s $103 million pitcher said he would remain humble as a rookie, apologize to Red Sox teammates if the media crush annoyed them and has had no problems adjusting [...]