MLB Player News

Darin Ruf could be a lock to break camp with the Phillies despite his defensive deficiencies, the Philadelphia Inquirer has speculated. His power and patience at the plate are qualities his team is lacking.

Ruf hit 14 home runs with 33 walks in 293 plate appearances in 2013. Ryne Sandberg believes Ruf could be on line for 300 plate appearances this season.

"I like him at first base depending on how things go," Sandberg said. "If we need a righthanded bat against lefthanded pitching, we have the lineup for that. That could be Ruf in left field. He could be at first base."

His ability to get on base is a plus. Philadelphia drew fewer walks per game last year than any of its teams in the last 50 years. Ruf walked in a team-best 11.3 percent of his plate appearances a year ago.

Usually quiet Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has spoken up about his desire to sign a contract extension that would keep him in Oakland beyond 2015, when his four-year deal expires.

Cespedes must prove his worth to remain with the team long-term. His batting average dropped markedly to .240 in 2013, though his power numbers remained steady with 26 home runs and 80 RBI. He has been involved in trade rumors during the offseason.

"What I would like is to finish my four years here in Oakland and maybe get an extension because this is the team that gave me the opportunity to play here, and I will not forget that," he told MLB.com.

The Dodgers have agreed to a minor-league deal with infielder Justin Turner, which includes an invitation to spring training, a source told the Los Angeles Times. Turner has spent the last three seasons with the Mets, batting .267 with eight home runs, 56 doubles and 86 RBI in 297 games in that span.

There are "vibes" that the Giants and first baseman Brandon Belt will avoid going to trial for arbitration, according to CSN.

General manager Brian Sabean indicated that the two sides are moving closer. The goal is to settle on a one-year deal, and then talk to Belt about a potential extension once spring training begins. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper delievered an encouraging report during NatsFest Saturday. After being plagued by multiple ailments in 2013, Harper said he's going through baseball activities at 100 percent, according to MLB.com.

"To be able to hit with no pain and run with no pain was a lot of fun," Harper said. "I haven't hit with no pain for about a year, so it's not very fun to go through for a year, year and a half. I know you're going to have your ups and downs, play through pain, but that was something I didn't like doing, and it didn't feel very good. So being able to hit, being able to run, being able to chuck baseballs and things like that, it's been a great offseason. It's a lot of fun to be able to do it not hurt."

Harper didn't directly answer questions about a timetable for his recovery from left knee surgery in October, but said he is rehabbing three times a week. 

"It's all about how I feel in rehab and how I feel that day," Harper said of his availability at the beginning of the spring training. "If I'm not feeling very well, if the knee's not reacting very well, then I'll take a day off and see where I'm at the next day."

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will be babied during spring training, according to The Washington Post.

Manager Matt Williams cited a few injuries the club has dealt with during the offseason, and said a couple players will be handled with kid gloves during the spring. Harper's aggressive play style led him to injure his knee last season. He'll likely try to take better care not to put himself in harm's way during the year.

Cardinals second baseman Matt Carpenter could be in line to discuss a contract extension during spring training, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

General manager John Mozeliak indicated that the two sides hadn't talked yet, but will likely do so during spring training. Carpenter is under team control through 2017, so making a move isn't imminent. An extension would likely buy out Carpenter's arbitration years and possibly the early years of his free agency. The 28-year-old Carpenter hit .318/.392/.481 in 626 at-bats.

Marlins general manager Dan Jennings told MLB Network Radio the team has had discussions with Giancarlo Stanton's representatives about a contract extension. Jennings labeled the talks "preliminary."

"It's something that they know our desire to pursue," Jennings said. We'd prefer sooner than later. There is no deadline on extension talks, but it has been discussed with Stanton and his agent."

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera said he is 100 percent after undergoing core muscle repair surgery in October, according to the Detroit Free Press. Cabrera said he started feeling 100 percent "two weeks ago" and his workout routine is back to normal for what he would be doing in prep for spring training.

"I was feeling more strong. I was able to run at 100 percent," he said.

As for moving back across the diamond in the wake of the Prince Fielder trade, Cabrera said he is "happy" to be back at first base.

"I was happy at third," Cabrera said. "I was happy at first. It doesn’t matter where they put me. I want to play baseball. I want to win some games and I want to play every day. That’s what I want."

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus reiterated Wednesday during an interview with MLB Network Radio that the team expects first baseman Miguel Cabrera to be ready for the start of spring training. Cabrera is coming off groin surgery in late October.

"He's full go at this point," Ausmus said. "We don't expect any complications with Miggy going into spring training. He should be 100 percent."