MLB Player News

In addition to playing his normal outfield spot, Philadelphia prospect Darin Ruf is scheduled to spend some time at first base -- his natural position -- in spring training. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said the 26-year-old will earn ample playing time at each position, but is expected to compete for a starting job in the outfield. "We'll see what we've got," Manuel said. "He's going to get to play a lot." The 26-year-old belted three homers in his 12-game cameo with Philadelphia at the end of last season.

After an offseason filled with verbal jabs at the organization and some unexpected trade speculation, Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton said Friday he will not be a distraction and is ready for the start of the season. Stanton chastised the Marlins for their latest roster purge, which included the departure of Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle, among others. "You’re not going to linger on something and cry about it all day," he told MLB.com. "You let it be known how you feel, and push forward. ... I’m not really going to dwell on it too much. I got what little words were out there to let it be known, and that was that. We’re here now, and turn the page."

Cardinals would-be second baseman Matt Carpenter has been drawing praise from his coaches for the work he's done at second base in the offseason. "I could tell he did a lot of work, which shouldn't surprise anybody because that's who he is," manager Mike Matheny told Fox Sports. "He looks smooth, he doesn't look uncomfortable and that's just the result of hard work. … A lot of things yet to be seen but so far he looks great."

MASNsports.com reports Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper showed up to camp Thursday noticeably heavier. Harper added muscle mass in the offseason and reported to camp 230 pounds, but it was planned since Harper expects to play this season at 220 pounds. "It's a long stressful season, of course. I think a lot of mental stress and things like that," Harper said. "I think mentally, wear and tear on your body, on your mind and whatnot. Going into the offseason, you try to put all the weight back on and work hard. I take a lot of pride in my workouts. I try to work hard every single day. I lift as hard as I can, get as big as I can in spring training because I know I'm going to lose a lot of weight because I'm a guy who comes in a loses a lot of weight quick."

CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports the Indians are not "looking to move" outfielders Drew Stubbs or Michael Brantley in the wake of signing Michael Bourn. MLB.com reports Indians manager Terry Francona said Brantley will play in left field and Stubbs in right field.

With the Indians agreeing on a four-year, $48 million contract with outfielder Michael Bourn on Monday, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports either Michael Brantley or Drew Stubbs could now be traded. Cleveland also signed Nick Swisher this offseason and has an abundance at the position.

Mets infielder Justin Turner is going to see some work in the outfield this spring, reports ESPN Monday. The Mets need another right-handed hitting outfielder along with Collin Cowgill and Turner will compete with Marlon Byrd and Andrew Brown for the gig. “We talked about it at the end of the season last year,” Turner said about a conversation with Terry Collins. “He told he wanted me to get out there, get some reps. I don’t know if that means I’m going to be playing for a spot, or it’s just another couple of positions to maybe get some more at-bats.” Turner hasn't played outfield since rookie ball in 2006.

Cardinals utility man Matt Carpenter continues to work towards competing for the second base job and coach Jose Oquendo says he's slightly ahead of the schedule Skip Schumaker was on back in 2009 when he converted from the outfield to 2B, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It isn’t that big of a surprise,” Oquendo said. “Schumaker did great on routine plays. But Schumaker had a tough time reading balls off the bat because of being in the outfield. (Carpenter) has been an infielder (third base, first base) almost all his time. He can read balls a lot better.”

Marlins manager Mike Redmond told the Miami Herald that he may plan to use outfielder Giancarlo Stanton in the third spot rather than the clean-up position come opening day. "Initially we were thinking the four hole, and it could still end up being the four hole," Redmond said. "But I'm leaning toward third at this point."

In his first taste of professional baseball, Cubs prospect Jorge Soler, a 20-year-old Cuban outfielder, hit .299 with five home runs and 12 stolen bases in 34 games. Soler, named the No. 3 Cubs prospect by MLB.com on Wednesday, received high praise from Jason McLeod, Cubs senior vice president of scouting and player development. "He's got all the tools," McLeod told MLB.com. "He's big and physical, with tremendous, tremendous raw power."