Mets need Wilmer Flores to handle new role as utility infielder ‘like a veteran’  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — All last spring Sandy Alderson kept repeating it like a mantra: Wilmer Flores is our shortstop.  The general manager answered every question about his infield with the line that Flores was the Mets' starting shortstop.

Teixeira Plays for First Time Since Injury, Yanks Top Tigers  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Mark Teixeira went 0 for 1 and walked in his first game since missing the final month last season with a right shin injury and the New York Yankees beat a Detroit Tigers split squad 10-9 Wednesday.

Players Prefer Presentation  —  The Chapman Precedent  —  Aroldis Chapman received a 30-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Tuesday.  In some ways, his case is a lot like many other domestic violence cases: Witnesses gave conflicting statements; the details were alarming, but hard to parse.

Arencibia overcame anxiety to enjoy baseball again  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Opponents would see J.P. Arencibia and assume he was in the minor leagues on a rehab assignment.  Umpires would ask the former major-leaguer why he was toiling in triple A.  —  Arencibia played four seasons in the majors …

Encarnacion, Blue Jays held preliminary contract talks  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Toronto Blue Jays and the representatives for pending free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion held a preliminary meeting Wednesday.  —  It's unclear if there's a timeline for more substantive discussions toward …

Cardinals Extend Kolten Wong  —  The Cardinals have announced an extension with 25-year-old second baseman Kolten Wong.  Wong, a client of PSI Sports Management, will reportedly be guaranteed $25.5MM over five years, beginning in 2016.  The contract also includes a $12.5MM option …

The World's Greatest Batting Stance Imitator Just Wants to Go Pro  —  Can Gar Ryness turn “the least marketable skill in America” into a broadcasting career?  —  It's nearing midnight when San Diego Padres co-owner Tom Seidler turns his back on his own team.

Baker Wins in Debut, Nationals Beat Rays' Top Young Pitcher  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Dusty Baker wound up a winner in his debut as Washington's manager when the Nationals roughed up top Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Blake Snell for a 6-2 victory Wednesday.  —  Baker last managed with Cincinnati in 2013.

Re-introducing Paintomatic  —  Red Sox fan: “The Red Sox just spent $217 million on David Price.  What kind of pitcher is he?”  —  Several years ago I introduced a visual called Paintomatic with the goal of answering questions like the one above.  Like my other visuals, the intention was to unlock insight that's hidden in the data.

Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson could be sidelined for weeks with strained right oblique  —  He left the game after two innings Wednesday afternoon  —  He was replaced in the field by nonroster invitee Travis Snider  —  The injury could open up opportunity for a large cast of outfielders

ESPN ‘addressing’ Curt Schilling's Hillary Clinton slam  —  ESPN baseball analyst Curt Schilling appeared to violate the network's guidelines when he told a radio station that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton should be “buried under a jail.”

The World's Richest Sports Team Owners 2016  —  Sports teams have long been toys of the rich and famous.  But with franchise valuations soaring thanks to sky-high TV contracts, the entry price for the exclusive owners club has risen dramatically.  Most owners made their fortunes before joining …

Royals, catcher Salvador Perez agree to new five-year, $52.5 million contract  —  He'll become a free agent after the 2021 season Royals had held three club options on Perez after this season  —  “He's out-performed that contract.  He's an underpaid player in the game.”  —  rdodd@kcstar.com