MLB Player News

While Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud impressed with his defense and ability to call a game upon his arrival to the majors last season, his offense was lacking. The rookie said he wasn't panicked, but transitioning to the majors was a challenge, according to the New York Daily News.

"Anxious would probably be the right word for it," he said. "I was just trying to impress everyone. Every time I went up there, I was trying to hit a home run. I was trying to throw my hardest and hit my hardest to prove myself every time I got a chance. I was trying to prove myself and I just wasn’t myself."

The offseason has been beneficial for d'Arnaud, who spent time in the offseason going back to the basics. The top prospect hit .286 with a .476 slugging percentage and .823 OPS in 515 minor-league games.

"I simplified things, my swing, my approach," d’Arnaud said. "That’s my game, keeping things simple and easy. And I know I’ve got to keep things simple this season. I am feeling really good coming into camp and I am really excited for this season. I am ready to make that next step."

Orioles newcomers such as second baseman Jemile Weeks and catcher Johnny Monell must show their versatility by playing multiple positions to maximize their chances of making the team out of spring training, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Weeks will compete with Ryan Flaherty for the starting job, but could earn a spot if he proves himself at shortstop and third base, where Alexi Casilla is also competing. Monell will battle Steve Clevenger for the backup role to Matt Wieters, but could also score points with Buck Showalter if he proves himself worthy at other positions.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal is just six months removed from knee surgery to reconstruct the ACL in his right knee, which is an injury that usually requires 9-12 months of rehab.

Grandal has been optimistic about being ready for opening day, but the team has been more hesitant about projecting such a lofty goal. Well, it seems the Padres are changing their tune, according to U-T San Diego.

"He says he feels good and he certainly looks good," general manager Josh Byrnes said of Grandal. "Opening day is possible for him. But that day simply starts a six or seven-month process. We have to hold him back somewhat during spring training even if he feels 100 percent. We will monitor him during spring training."

Royals catcher Salvador Perez spent part of his offseason playing in the Venezuelan Winter League. He hit .289 with a .385 slugging percentage, .705 OPS, one home run, eight doubles and 17 RBI in 31 games.

Surprisingly, Perez didn't spend much time behind the plate, making 22 appearances at first base.

"Salvy's going to catch the bulk of the games here, and it was more for the at-bats than anything," assistant general manager J.J. Picollo told MLB.com. "It's something that Salvy takes a lot of pride in, and he wanted to help his team and play down there, so it was a way to get him at-bats and not have him get beat up behind the plate."

Yan Gomes is on track to open the season as the Indians' starting catcher, barring a complete meltdown during spring training. Though the Indians plan to move forward with Gomes as the team's starting catcher, Gomes isn't taking anything for granted, according to The Plain Dealer.

"I’m not taking it like I have a roster spot," Gomes said. "I’m still taking it like I’m earning a spot. I’m still trying to earn the respect of the fans, the media, whatever it is. I’m going to come in the same way I came in last year ... working hard and preparing for the year."

After appearing at 85 games at catcher for Cleveland in 2013, Gomes could see an increase to 120-130 games behind the plate in 2014.

"I’m excited for the challenge," he said. "That’s exactly what you work for and I spent the offseason working my butt off for it. I’m ready to go."

The Padres announced Thursday 18 players received non-roster invites to spring training. Among the 18 players invited to spring training are catcher Austin Hedges and starting pitcher Matt Wisler, who are considered the team's top two prospects by Baseball America.

Other top prospects receiving invites were shortstop Jace Peterson (No. 7) and starting pitcher Joe Ross (No. 10). 2011 first-round pick Cory Spangenberg was also on the list.

The remaining players coming to camp as non-roster invites are Blaine Boyer, Leonel Campos, Anthony Carter, Dennis O'Grady, Adys Portillo, Kevin Quackenbush, Cody Decker, Alex Dickerson, Rico Noel, Daniel Robertson, Jonathan Galvez, Alberto Gonzalez and Xavier Nady.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said Wednesday catcher prospect Tucker Barnhart will start the 2014 season at Triple-A, but added he wouldn't be surprised if Barnhart makes his MLB debut this year, according to Redlegs Radio Report.

Barnhart is considered the Reds' 10th-best prospect by Baseball America. He has a career .262 average, .346 on-base percentage, .363 slugging percentage and .709 OPS through five minor-league seasons. His strength is defense, as he owns a career .992 fielding percentage and 42 percent caught-stealing rate.

The Indians announced Wednesday they invited six players to spring training as non-roster invites. Among the players receiving invites were shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is considered the team's top prospect by Baseball America, and outfielder Tyler Naquin, who is considered the Indians' fourth-best prospect.

The remaining players receiving invites were catcher Jake Lowery, catcher Roberto Perez, infielder Joey Wendle and catcher Tony Wolters.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud is coming off a pretty disappointing debut in 2013 after developing into one of the top catcher prospects in baseball. d'Arnaud hit just .202 with one home run and five RBI in 31 games last season and hopes to have better results in 2014.

"I want to improve obviously offensively," d'Arnaud told the New York Post. "Last year I didn’t do so well in the beginning of my debut, and I just want to go out there and take my singles and just try to make good contact, not do anything crazy."

d'Arnaud posted a .476 slugging percentage and had one 20-homer season in the minors. Though, being a power hitter is not the first thing on his mind.

"I mean, I’m not thinking homers, I’m just thinking get on base, drive in runs, and do whatever I can to help the team win," he said.

As for his personal goals for '14, d'Arnaud just wants to stay on the diamond after two straight injury-plagued seasons.

"My personal goal is to stay healthy all year, that’s my first one," he said. "My second one is to make the playoffs, and my third one is to become a better teammate and a better friend to all my teammates on my team."

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal will probably start the 2014 season on the disabled list.

Grandal had reconstructive surgery on his right knee last August, and he could need at least nine months to recover from the procedure.