Surgery for Bailey; he's out 3-4 months  —  WASHINGTON - Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will have reconstructive surgery on his right thumb Wednesday in Cleveland and will be out 3-4 months, the team announced Tuesday.  —  Bailey was examined by team doctors Monday in Boston, then by Dr. Thomas Graham Tuesday in Cleveland.

Nationals demote left-hander John Lannan and his $5 million salary to the minor leagues  —  UPDATE: It's official, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson.  Lannan has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and Detwiler will open the year as the Nationals' fifth starter.

Cain Delivers for Giants to Cap Unbeaten Spring  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Matt Cain's job stability is now in excellent shape for years to come.  On Tuesday night, he pitched with a clear mind.  —  Cain struck out six in five innings to cap an unbeaten spring, delivering in a 3-2 victory …

Which division is the best in baseball?  —  For years, it has been one of the most obvious statements in North American professional sports.  —  The American League East is the best division in baseball.  —  An AL East team has advanced to the World Series in 10 of 17 seasons since the strike …

Marlins Park a work of art in every facet  —  MIAMI — It's an incredibly cozy place to watch a baseball game.  Yes, Marlins Park is visually striking, with its glass and steel and lean contemporary design.  It's a delight to the senses, with splashes of color, displays of artwork and bounties of regional food and drink.

Theo preaches patience in first year at helm  —  MESA, Ariz. — Theo Epstein has signed autographs, posed for pictures and received more than a few reminders about how long it's been since the Cubs won a World Series, and he's prepared for the inevitable “noise” from impatient fans.

Hart collects pair of hits in spring debut  —  PHOENIX — A four-run eighth inning propelled the D-backs past the Brewers, 5-3, on Tuesday night in front of 14,270 at Chase Field.  —  The Brewers carried a 3-1 lead into the eighth as both teams began to put in their Minor League players.

Reds Claim Alfredo Simon  —  The Reds have claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun tweets.  The Orioles had placed the 30-year-old right-hander on waivers over the weekend.  —  Simon posted a 4.90 ERA with 6.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 and a 43% ground ball rate …

Schafer testing left hand, wants to play opener  —  HOUSTON — Center fielder Jordan Schafer returned to the Astros' starting lineup for Tuesday night's exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park.  —  Schafer had been sidelined for two weeks after injuring his left hand making a diving catch in the outfield.

Kinsler may be next to land big extension  —  Rangers infielder negotiating six-year deal as opener nears  —  ARLINGTON — With less than three days to go before the start of the season, the Rangers are still trying to negotiate a possible six-year contract extension with infielder Ian Kinsler.