Phillies’ Maikel Franco gearing up to make run at opening day roster
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:54 am ET) In mid-January, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. indicated “in a perfect world” prospect Maikel Franco would start the season at Triple-A.

Franco told MLB.com he is unsure about where he will open the season, but he is hoping to make a strong enough impression during spring training to break camp with the team.

“[The Phillies] have not said much to me about opening day or my status. I just have to show up and do what I have to do and let them make that decision,” Franco said. “I hope everything works out for me, I stay healthy and give the best that I can.

“I know it’s been a long season, but you have to work hard and prepare physically and mentally with spring training coming up soon. I’m trying to do the best work I can do to make sure everything turns out fine.”

Tigers’ Martinez attributes success to listening to veteran players
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:37 am ET) After struggling in three seasons with the Astros, outfielder J.D. Martinez finally enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 with the Tigers. He said listening to some of the veteran players, including Miguel Cabrera, was a big help in his turnaround.

“I learned so much just from watching them and picking their brains, and it really did help me,” Martinez said, per the Detroit Free Press.

General manager Dave Dombrowksi agrees learning from veteran players was key for Martinez.

“There’s no doubt,” Dombrowski said. “Look at how he used the opposite field. Look at how he drove the ball out of the ballpark to rightfield and centerfield. J.D. definitely benefited, and we saw how good of a hitter he became last year for us.”

Martinez hit .315 with a .553 slugging percentage, .912 OPS, 23 home runs, 30 doubles and 76 RBI in 123 games. He said he has spent the offseason fine-tuning his swing after revamping it last offseason.

“Little hitches and bat habits that maybe I wanted to polish up from last year, and the years before that I didn’t have as much time to do before the season,” he said. “This year just gives me more time to polish up things I want to before the season starts.”

Hamilton injury could free up at-bats for Angels’ Joyce, Cowgill, Cron
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:28 am ET) With Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton doubtful for the start of the season due to shoulder surgery, his absence could open the door for more playing time in the outfield for Matt Joyce and Collin Cowgill. It could also mean more at-bats for C.J. Cron at DH, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“We don’t envision this being a long-term issue, but 6-8 weeks is not a short-term thing,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said of Hamilton’s injury. “We’ll have a better idea when he gets back on the field doing baseball things.”

Yankees are not pursuing James Shields
by Jason Butt | CBSSports.com

(9:53 am ET) The Yankees are not contenders for right-handed pitcher James Shields, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.

Shields is expected to sign with a team by the end of this week, with the Yankees rumored to be in the mix. However, it appears that the Yankees have decided not to go after Shields.

In nine years, Shields holds a career ERA of 3.72 in stints with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Kansas City Royals.

Report: Police investigating Indians’ Salazar for sexual assault
by Jason Butt | CBSSports.com

(9:45 am ET) Cleveland Indians pitcher Danny Salazar is being investigated by police for a possible sexual assault, according to a report from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

According to a report from MLB.com, no charges have been filed. An original Plain Dealer report stated catcher Roberto Perez was involved in the investigation but that has been refuted as there is no complaint against Perez.

Salazar is set to enter his third major league season. He posted a 4.25 ERA in 2014.

Report: Pedro Feliciano nears minor-league deal with Cubs
by Jason Butt | CBSSports.com

(9:35 am ET) Pitcher Pedro Feliciano is expected to sign a minor league contract with a major league invite with the Chicago Cubs, reports FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.

The deal is expected to be a base salary of $700,000.

The former Mets’ reliever signed a minor-league deal with the Cardinals a year ago but was released in August. He has a career ERA of 3.33.

Report: James Shields expected to sign by end of week
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2/3/2015) Free-agent pitcher James Shields has multiple offers on the table and is expected to sign by the end of this week, FOX Sports reports.

The Cardinals, Yankees and Padres were reported to have shown interest earlier Tuesday, and other teams have also been rumored to be in the mix throughout the offseason. Shields went 14-8 with a 180:44 K:BB ratio in 227 innings with the Royals in 2014.

Report: Braves, Mike Minor set arbitration hearing date
by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

(2/3/2015) The Braves and pitcher Mike Minor have set an arbitration meeting date for Feb. 19, the day before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

 Minor originally asked for $5.6 million while Atlanta was willing to offer $5.1 million. Minor went 6-12 in 2014 with a 4.77 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 145 1/3 innings pitched for the Braves.

Report: Phillies GM covets Padres’ Andrew Cashner
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2/3/2015) Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. covets Padres pitcher Andrew Cashner, Yahoo! Sports reports.

The report indicates the Padres are still working hard to add a frontline starting pitcher and that the Padres do not appear on the no-trade list of Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels. Cashner is in his second year of arbitration eligibility and settled on a one-year, $4.05-million deal with the Padres in January to avoid arbitration.

The Padres have also been mentioned as a possible option for free-agent pitcher James Shields.

Report: Yankees, Padres showing interest in James Shields
by Sean d’Oliveira | CBSSports.com

(2/3/2015) The Yankees and Padres could be possible suitors to land free-agent pitcher James Shields, sources told Fox Sports.

Both teams are believed to be pursuing what many consider the best free-agent pitcher left on the market. In 2014, Shields went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA over 227 innings.