MLB Player News

Mariners shortstop Nick Franklin went 2 for 3 with his first spring home run in his team's 12-1 win over the Padres Friday.

Franklin's name has simmered in trade rumors in recent days as the team looks to alleviate a logjam at shortstop that also includes Brad Miller. Both the Mets and the Rays reportedly have interest in acquiring Franklin, who hit .225/.303/.382 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI and six stolen bases in 369 at-bats with the Mariners last season.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is using a more upright stance at the plate, according to MLB.com. 

Beckham has struggled to hit in the majors, and could be facing a crucial season in his career. While he's going to try a slightly different stance, he said he doesn't want to talk much about his changes anymore. Beckham has attempted to alter his stance in the past, and it hasn't worked out for him, so he's cautious about speaking of specific changes.

Beckham hit .267/.322/.372 in 371 at-bats last season.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was able to play through lingering back issues Thursday, in the team's spring opener against the Royals. He went 0 for 2 with one strikeout before being replaced, and had little issue playing the field in an 11-7 win.

Andrus was considered day to day due to the injury, so it isn't much of a surprise that he was able to play. This is not expected to be an issue that troubles him moving forward.  

Rookie middle infielder Yangervis Solarte has been the MVP of Yankees spring training so far, according to the YESNetwork. Solarte continued his brilliant play Wednesday with a spectacular bare-handed play in the first and two-run homer in the second inning of the exhibition opener against against Pittsburgh.

The Mets aren't the only team interested in trading for Mariners infielder Nick Franklin. The Rays are also looking at possible trades involving Franklin, sources told CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is dealing with a back issue, according to the Star-Telegram.

Andrus is considered day to day due to the injury. Last season, Andrus hit .271/.328/.331 in 620 at-bats.

A Mets insider confirmed an ESPN report that New York could be a team the Mariners might engage in trade talks regarding infielder Nick Franklin.

The source said the two sides talked at the winter meetings about a deal involving Franklin. The talks are expected to resume in the next month with Seattle having an excess infielder and the Mets having the type of pitching talent the Mariners would want in a trade.

White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday he's considering batting Gordon Beckham second, even though he struggled in that spot in the lineup last season.

"It’s a possibility the way it’s shaking out right now," Ventura said of Beckham batting second. "That’s a possibility. You could have Alexei (Ramirez) there too. There’s a few options to think about, we can tinker with."

Beckham hit just .190 in 36 games batting second last season. In his career hitting second, Beckham has a .227 average with a .295 on-base percentage. Beckham could be better off batting eighth, where he owns a career .302 average in 130 games.

"Everybody is going to be playing and moving around in the lineup so we’ll see what works," Ventura said, per ESPN. "We had periods where (Beckham) batted eighth and did pretty good and went to second and wasn’t so good and back to eighth. It’s a natural spot for him. The way he plays and what he does that plate, I think it’d be a good spot for him."

Mariners middle infielder Nick Franklin could be on the trading block, the Seattle Times has speculated. He lost his starting second base job upon the offseason signing of free agent Robinson Cano.

Franklin, who expressed excitement over the signing because he could learn from Cano, added that he will not play that position. He will compete with Brad Miller for the starting job at shortstop. He could also be sent to Triple-A Tacoma or traded.

His lack of productivity helped pave the way for Cano. Franklin batted just .225 last year in 369 at-bats, though he did slug 12 home runs and 20 doubles with 45 RBI.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon reiterated Wednesday the competition for the starting shortstop job is wide open between Brad Miller and Nick Franklin. McClendon made sure to convey that message to Franklin, who primarily played second base last season.

"I said, 'Look we have a Hall of Fame second baseman, that’s just the way it is," McClendon said, per The Seattle Times. "This is a new chapter in your career. One door is closing and another one is opening so it’s an opportunity for you and I’m going into this with my wide eyes open and you have the opportunity to compete for the shortstop position. I don’t have any preconceived notions."

McClendon said whoever stars defensively will likely walk away with the starting job.

"You gotta be able to catch the ball," he said."I’m looking for a guy that’s going to make all the routine plays."