In Cards’ bullpen, much left to be decided

Four or five spots in the Cardinals’ bullpen are set, but that leaves two or three openings. And depending on the competition over the next three weeks, those openings could be filled by some new faces to the Major League club.

Loney stresses consistency at plate

James Loney is 25 years old and already the veteran of four Major League seasons and 17 playoff games, but the Dodgers’ first baseman admits he has a lot to learn and improve upon.

Buchholz’s focus? Taking care of business

The Red Sox have six starters who should be in any Major League team’s starting rotation, yet only five available spots. So Clay Buchholz is having a strangely in-between type of Spring Training.

Bullpen bonds can last a lifetime

Gathered in close quarters for 162 games each year, Major League relief pitchers develop a long-lasting bond during their time together in the bullpen.

Francis works out kinks in return to action

Jeff Francis, who last threw in a Major League game Sept. 12, 2008, and missed last season because of arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, struggled with his location Friday afternoon against the Giants.

Powerful Hughes hopes to cut down on K’s

The Orioles have been so impressed by Rhyne Hughes that manager Dave Trembley has asked him to start taking reps in left field, a position that would be more beneficial to the Major League club than Hughes’ regular spot, first base.

Pineiro gets feel for pitches, new team

Even at age 31, with 285 games worth of Major League experience, a player can experience a measure of anxiety when he debuts with a new club. Joel Pineiro felt that tingling sensation in his stomach when he took the mound on Thursday for the Angels in their Cactus League opener.

Abreu inspires Angels on, off field

Embraced as never before by teammates with his fourth Major League organization, Bobby Abreu, who turns 36 on March 11, flourished as a daily source of knowledge and wisdom for the Angels as well as hits, walks, RBIs, runs scored, steals and defense.

Reynolds, D-backs to talk contract

The contract negotiations between the D-backs and third baseman Mark Reynolds could come to a head Friday, when the two sides are set to sit down together face-to-face, a Major League source said Thursday.

A’s prospect carries baseball bloodlines

Max Stassi, a wide-eyed 18-year-old A’s prospect, has a ways to go to be the first catcher in his baseball-playing family to reach the big leagues, but the fact that he is already in Major League camp says enough about the possibility of a successful future.

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