Tigers’ Dombrowski expecting ‘real big season’ for Justin Verlander
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:48 am ET) Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander said last week this is the best he’s felt physically approaching the start of spring training in at least three years.

Apparently, the optimism doesn’t end with Verlander. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski indicated the Tigers are expecting big things from Verlander in 2015 after he posted a 4.54 ERA in 2014, failing to make the All-Star team for the first time in six seasons.

“Justin Verlander is as prime a pitcher as there is in the game of baseball,” Dombrowski said, per the Detroit Free Press. “Last year, he was not the traditional Justin. But when you look at what he came back from with the surgery, I think he’s going to go out and have a real big season for us.”

Sleep apnea almost caused Red Sox’s Mike Napoli to retire
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(10:47 am ET) Dealing with sleep apnea almost caused Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli to retire prematurely from baseball, reports the Boston Globe.

“I couldn’t do it anymore, feeling the way I was feeling,” Napoli said. “I was like, ‘I need to have the surgery or I’m not going play anymore.’ That’s how bad it was.”

During the offseason, Napoli underwent facial reconstruction surgery to correct the condition, which was preventing him from getting a proper night of rest.

“It was a brutal process,” Napoli said. “It was probably one of the worse things I’ve ever done.”

With the surgery a success and Napoli recovered from losing weight due to a six-week liquid diet, Napoli is now sleeping better than he ever has.

Before the surgery, Napoli turned to medication, mouthpieces and a CPAP mask, but said those problems are now behind him.

“I wake up now and I’m ready to start my day,” he said. “It’s great.”

Angels’ Jered Weaver bulks up in effort to pitch deeper into games
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:36 am ET) Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver has bulked up to 224 pounds, which is six pounds heavier than he has ever been, in an effort to pitch deeper into games in 2015, per the Los Angeles Times. Weaver dropped to as low as 199 pounds during the 2014 season.

“Numbers-wise, it was all right,” Weaver said of his 2014 season (18-9, 3.59 ERA). “But from a personal standpoint, me being ultra-competitive, I want to get deeper in games.

“The bullpen helped me a lot last year. I just want to gain some strength. I went on a different weight-lifting program last year, and it’s been paying off. I’m going to stick with it.”

The average velocity of Weaver’s fastball dipped to a career-low 86.3 mph last season. However, he said the added weight gain is more for endurance than velocity on his fastball. He averaged just over six innings per start last season and has just one complete game over the last two seasons after throwing seven complete games in 2011-12.

“I don’t care about velocity — I just want to be stronger for the whole nine innings,” Weaver said. “If velocity comes along, so be it. I think I’ve shown I can pitch from 83 to 93 mph.”

Mariners’ Austin Jackson looking to bounce back in 2015
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(10:08 am ET) After being acquired by the Mariners at the trade deadline last season, outfielder Austin Jackson struggled to produce for the Mariners. In 54 games, Jackson hit .229 and Jackson said the trade affected his playing ability, reports The News Tribune.

“Not making excuses, but I think getting traded and trying to get used to the travel and the sleep – those things affect your play on the field,” Jackson said.

By starting the season in Seattle, Jackson said he hopes to avoid the distractions from last season and he’s looking to return to his old form.

“Hopefully, getting started here and staying here, those distractions won’t be there,” Jackson said.

White Sox OF Avisail Garcia dropped weight during offseason
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1:02 am ET) White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia dropped roughly 15 pounds during the offseason, according to MLB.com.

“I’ve been eating healthy, working real hard at the gym, Garcia said. “I have to be ready for spring training. I can’t go there and be fat.” With the weight loss, Garcia is hoping to keep his power potential. “I don’t want to lose speed, I don’t want to lose power,” Garcia said. “I want to be in the middle. I know I can do a little bit of everything, so that’s why I’ve been working really hard on speed, power, hitting and defense, so I can help my team win.”

Garcia hit .244/.305/.413 over 172 at-bats last year.

Athletics’ Billy Butler would welcome return to Royals
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(12:35 am ET) Athletics designated hitter Billy Butler said he would love to return to the Royals later in his career, according to the Kansas City Star.

After spending the first eight seasons of his career in Kansas City, Butler signed a three-year deal with Oakland during the offseason. Though he left the Royals, Butler said there is no hard feelings. “It’s disappointing, but you understand that the game’s a business and I didn’t leave on bad terms,” Butler said. “I’d be more than happy to come back. That’s home for me. I’ll always be forever tied to the Royals organization and the community there.”

The 28-year-old hit .271/.323/.379 over 549 at-bats last year.

Indians to consider multiyear extension for Corey Kluber
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/25/2015) The Indians will consider a multiyear extension for pitcher Corey Kluber, according to MLB.com.

General manager Mark Shapiro didn’t indicate that the two sides were close to a deal, but said Kluber has all the aspects the team looks for when considering a long-term deal. “Corey represents all of the things we look for in players: dependable, reliable person, committed to his work ethic, talented.” Shapiro added, “it’s something we’ll probably look at over the next couple of months. He has all the precursors that we would look for to enter into a multiyear agreement.”

The 28-year-old Kluber is set to make the league-minimum next season, and won’t be available for arbitration until 2016. He’s under team control through 2018, so there’s no hurry for either side to agree to a new deal. 

Kluber posted a 2.44 ERA over 235 2/3 innings last year.

Twins’ Glen Perkins says he’s 100 percent
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/25/2015) Twins reliever Glen Perkins said he’s 100 percent heading into the season, according to MLB.com.

Perkins missed the last two weeks of the regular season due to a forearm injury, but said that’s no longer a problem. He took two weeks off once the season concluded, and went for a precautionary MRI just to make sure the injury wasn’t serious. “I took two weeks off and started doing shoulder stuff as part of the rehab to strengthen it and everything went well,” Perkins said. “I started throwing again in mid-December. The way I’ve been able to ramp up throwing, everything has been good.”

The 31-year-old Perkins posted a 3.65 ERA over 61 2/3 innings last season.

Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera not expected to miss much time with injury
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/25/2015) Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is not expected to miss much time with his ankle injury, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

Cabrera had ankle surgery to remove bone spurs shortly after the season, and has been recovering during the offseason. He was recently cleared to ditch his walking boot, and will be re-evaluated by team doctors on Feb. 15. General manager Dave Dombrowski told reporters Cabrera shouldn’t miss much time due to the injury. “We’re hopeful at that point he gets turned loose,” Dombrowski said. “If he’s not ready for Opening Day, it’s going to be very, very close.”

The 31-year-old Cabrera hit .313/.371/.524 over 611 at-bats last year. 

Twins’ Joe Mauer says his legs feel strong heading into 2015
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(1/25/2015) Twins first baseman Joe Mauer said his legs feel strong heading into 2015, according to the Star Tribune.

Mauer was able to fully participate in an offseason training program after injuries prevented him from doing so last year. Mauer said his left knee, which has given him trouble in the past, feels strong now. :It’s tough to hit when the knee I’ve had problems with isn’t right,” Mauer said. “That’s where you get your power from and the ball jumps. I feel good. I’m excited to get out there.”

The 31-year-old Mauer is coming off a season in which he hit .277/.361/.371 over 455 at-bats.