Vazquez gets jump on second Bronx tenure  —  New Yanks righty throws first 'pen session three days early  —  TAMPA, Fla. — There was a sense of excitement back home in Puerto Rico that Javier Vazquez was having a second chance with the Yankees, something he punctuated by throwing off a mound …

Riggleman says Strasburg likely to start in minors  —  The first bullpen session Stephen Strasburg threw in major-league spring training was as much of a media event as it was a rudimentary early-season exercise.  More than 100 fans strained to get a look at the right-hander …

Damon agrees to deal with Tigers  —  Source confirms one-year, $8 million contract  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — The free-agent flirtation between Johnny Damon and the Detroit Tigers is finally nearing an end.  —  An offseason that began with Damon negotiating to remain in pinstripes will instead close with Damon donning the Old English D.

Upton keeping focus on the field  —  D-backs outfielder isn't concerned with extension talks  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Justin Upton acknowledged on Sunday that his representative has had discussions with the D-backs on a contract extension, but the outfielder said his focus is on getting ready for the season.

Through hard work and lots of listening, Yankees' Derek Jeter is turning back the clock at short  —  TAMPA - At a recent workout here, Derek Jeter, clad in a dark blue sweatshirt, ranges nimbly to his left to scoop up ground balls.  He glides right, leans down and backhands bouncers.

After HRs fall off, Mets' Wright adds muscle  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — When your home run production drops from 33 to 10, you've got to change something.  David Wright has done just that.  —  Look closely at Wright and you see a much more defined body.  His biceps are bigger.  His forearms are bigger.

NY Yankees spring training Q and A with Joba Chamberlain … TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain got yet another reminder that he is indeed growing older.  It came on Dec. 15, in a hospital room in Nebraska.  —  That's where his older sister, Tasha, gave birth to a son.

Gagne to give all, acknowledges ‘regret’  —  Reliever admits to HGH use, plans to work hard in camp  —  PHOENIX — Eric Gagne is back in blue, with the familiar No. 38 jersey, and he's apparently trying to come back to a clean slate.  —  Re-signed Friday — after a three-year odyssey through Texas …

Jays place Hayhurst on 60-day DL  —  Reliever likely out four to six months with shoulder injury  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Blue Jays placed reliever Dirk Hayhurst on the 60-day disabled list on Sunday, removing him from the club's roster.  —  Hayhurst, who underwent surgery to repair fraying …

Reds counting on Hernandez's clutch bat  —  Veteran catcher opens camp healthy, eager to contribute  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Even though the Reds had an exceptional defensive catcher in Ryan Hanigan, the budget-conscious Reds still allocated $3 million to bring back veteran Ramon Hernandez in November.

Franklin chides MLB policy on guns  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Closer Ryan Franklin is among the large number of avid outdoorsmen on the Cardinals roster and on Saturday expressed disappointment in Major League Baseball's recent directive prohibiting certain weapons, including all firearms, from the clubhouse.

Deep 'pen and Hudson impress Cox  —  A few thoughts while making my way around the stack of boxes in front of Jason Heyward's locker, from shoe and equipment manufacturers who have either signed him up to wear their stuff, or would probably like to.  —  This really stands out because Heyward …

Pujols: I have ‘95 percent’ chance of avoiding TJ  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Albert Pujols said on Sunday that there is now a very good chance he will never have to undergo ‘Tommy John’ reconstructive surgery on his persistently troublesome right elbow.  —  Pujols first injured his elbow back in 2003 …

Beckett's not talking contract  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett addressed the media after today's workout in Fort Myers and said he won't be talking about the final year of his contract with the Red Sox during spring training and it won't be a distraction for him once the season starts.