New Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond arrived at his office at 5 a.m. Monday ready to go long before the Florida sun was shining, his thoughts already on a date 254 days from now: Game 1 of the World Series.
Ah, spring training. When all 30 teams are still contenders.
“Everybody’s excited,” Redmond said in Jupiter, Fla. “Obviously, we’ve got a tremendous opportunity for guys in this camp and I think everybody realizes that. It’s a fresh start.”
From chilly and damp Phoenix., to balmy Kissimmee, Fla., pitchers and catchers for 10 teams reported to training camp Monday, taking physicals, meeting new teammates and, in some cases, new managers and coaches.
A new era has begun for the Houston Astros, who will be playing under a new manager, in a new league and even in new blue and orange uniforms.
Manager Bo Porter led an informal workout in Kissimmee, a day before the Astros’ first organized spring training workout as members of the American League West.
REDS SIGN CHOO
Former Mariners outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and the Reds agreed on a one-year contract for $7,375,000.
Choo made $4.9 million last season with Cleveland, which traded him to the Reds as part of a three-team deal in December. The Reds plan to start him in center field in place of Drew Stubbs — who went to the Indians — and bat him leadoff.
SPEEDY BOURN JOINS TRIBE
Criticized for not spending enough on free agents in recent years, the Indians splurged on another star.
The club agreed to terms with outfielder Michael Bourn on a four-year, $48 million contract. It’s the second major deal this winter for the Indians, who signed free agent Nick Swisher to a four-year, $56 million contract in January.
Bourn, who was an All-Star with Atlanta last season, must pass a physical later this week in Goodyear, Ariz., before the deal can be completed.
The two-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner and three-time steals leader in the National League, had also been pursued by the New York Mets.
SHORT HOPS
A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent left-hander Hideki Okajima has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the Athletics pending a physical. … Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Ryan Madson’s elbow soreness while throwing Feb. 1 was a normal part his rehabilitation from reconstructive surgery. … Red Sox principal owner John Henry reiterated his intentions that he has no plans on selling the franchise. … Derek Jeter, 38, ran on a treadmill for the first time since breaking his left ankle in October, another step toward being in the Yankees’ lineup on opening day. … Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter hasn’t ruled out pitching again, including this year, although the team last week all but ruled him out because of problems in his right arm. … Edith Houghton, one of the first female scouts in big league baseball, has died at the age of 100. After a playing career that included a stint with the Philadelphia Bobbies, Houghton worked for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1946-52.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.