Cubs' Bryant Picking Up Where He Left Off

Picking up where he left off shouldn’t be a problem for the National League Rookie of the Year, considering Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is treating 2016 like a “continuation” of last season. As for the pressure of his team being picked to win it all, he’ll worry about that later.

“'Expectations' is a word we don’t have to pay attention to yet,” Bryant said Wednesday.

Bryant and his teammates will take the field Wednesday for the first time this spring with potential All-Stars all over the diamond.

“I’m looking at it as a continuation of last year with a three to four month break,” he said.

That could be bad news for opposing pitchers, as Bryant belted 26 home runs with 99 RBIs in his rookie season. This time around, he wants to make more contact.

“Something that stood out to me this offseason is when I got my pitch, I didn’t hit it all the time,” Bryant said. “I fouled it off or swung through it. That’s exciting to me, because the year I had last year was pretty good, but if I could get better at hitting those pitches, it could be even better. So I’m excited for that.”

Bryant is unique in that he actually embraces his struggles.

“It’s a roller coaster ride,” he said. “I wouldn’t be playing this game if it wasn’t like that. I enjoy the adversity because it only gets better.”

Cardinals' Rosenthal Hasn't Given Up On Being Starter

Trevor Rosenthal blossomed into one of the best relievers in baseball last season, limiting his walks and nailing down 48 saves in his second season as the St. Louis Cardinals’ closer.

The strong season earned Rosenthal a massive raise in arbitration. He’ll make more than 10 times his $535,000 salary from a year ago.

And yet Rosenthal, 25, said he hasn’t closed the door, mentally, on being a starting pitcher one day. The possibility has lingered around Rosenthal because, unlike many relievers who rely on two pitches or even one pitch, he can throw three off-speed pitches to complement a fastball that brushes 100 mph.

“Rick Ankiel ended up being an outfielder. You never know what can happen,” Rosenthal said. “It’s not a closed door, but it’s not something I really think about. I just show up and work hard and, if they see me throw once and are like, ‘Oh, maybe we need him to fill in at a different spot,’ I’ll do it. But it seems to be working where I’m at.”

Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright began his career as a reliever, but did it for only one full season. Rosenthal last started a game in 2012 in the minor leagues. He reached Triple-A Memphis as a starter before converting to full-time relief.

Orioles, Gallardo Agree To Deal

The Baltimore Orioles and free-agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo have agreed to a restructured two-year deal worth $22 million, a league source confirmed to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

According to the source, the deal could end up being worth $33 million over three years.

The team can buy out Gallardo for $2 million after two years, or pick up a club option of a third year worth $13 million, the source said.

Gallardo and Baltimore had reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth $35 million on Saturday, but the deal stalled after the Orioles reviewed the right-hander's pre-signing physical.

Gallardo, who turns 30 later this month, is 102-75 with a 3.66 ERA in nine major league seasons, the first eight coming with the Milwaukee Brewers.