...

On to Kannapolis last year, he recovered from a slow start to bat .301 over 122 games, with 16 homers and 79 RBI. He became more disciplined at the plate, with a .352 on-base percentage and .508 slugging.

He hit .322 with 13 homers and 54 RBI after the all-star break and had a 24-game hitting streak. His move to center was not an issue.

Lessons learned include his approach at the plate.

"I had a big leg kick at UK, and you can't get away with that now, with people throwing 96, 97 (mph) or their closers," he said. "I had to kind of settle down. Now my swing is a little more compact, and it's actually got me a little bit more power -- a little-bit-easier power."

He also learned to hit to the opposite field, using the whole park, rather than try to pull as he did so often for UK.

Impact Sports

Somehow, the Boston Red Sox are adding another pitcher.

There was talk of Odalís Perez, but the left-handed went to Nationals.

This Friday, was informed Impactodeportivo.com.do, Bartolo Colon has been summoned by the Red Sox.

And that the offer could be better than the White Sox.

So what Ozzie Guillen cancanea, Columbus could landing at the Fenway Park in Boston.

With the resignation of Fidel Castro as Cuba's president, there's been speculation as to whether the communist country would open its doors to a free market.

White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras, a Cuban defector, sees advantages to returning spring training to Cuba.

"It would be good for the baseball in Cuba," said Contreras, who defected in 2002. "Fifty years ago there was spring training and a winter baseball league in Cuba. If it happens now, it will be really good for the people in Cuba."

By Mark Gonzales, 12:56 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- White Sox third baseman Joe Crede took live batting practice Saturday and showed no effects from getting nailed Thursday on the top of the left hand.

Crede hit a home run off batting practice pitcher Omer Munoz, and then batted off pitchers Carlos Vasquez and D.J. Carrasco without favoring his left hand.

Crede did admit to some soreness afterward but said he would be ready by Wednesday's exhibition opener.

Third-year center fielder B.J. Upton chimed in.

"Guys are so excited [because] anything could happen this season," said Upton, whose brother Justin went to the playoffs with Arizona last fall. "Anything. It's going to be fun. It's going to be a lot of fun. I think everybody wants to win and I think with that attitude it's going to take us a long way this year."

Now, the Jays are on the verge of bringing Stewart back.

Stewart, who turns 34 on Monday, is close to signing a minor-league contract with the Jays. He will compete with Reed Johnson to be the right-handed hitting part of a platoon in left field with Matt Stairs. If Stewart beats out Johnson, he'll likely get 300 to 350 at-bats.

Impact Sports

The Dominican pitcher Bartolo Colon could finally landing at the Fenway Park in Boston.

And from this Sunday, it could be in Fort Myers training with the world champions.

A relative of the player entrusted Impactodeportivo.com.do, Columbus was required by the club.

That would be this Sunday to Fort Myers for a meeting with the personnel manager Theo Epstein.

Still nothing is sure, but Colon said to be in good shape and if they can convince demonstrates Boston.

The man already has almost work.