During a recent team meeting, the Mets flirted with the idea of releasing Mike Pelfrey before Opening Day, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation. None of the uniformed staff was in favor of the idea and it got nowhere. Pelfrey further solidified his place in the rotation Thursday night, when he allowed one run in 6.1 innings against Houston. "I saw all the things today that I have heard about," Terry Collins said. "I saw a power sinker (with) that great movement, beating it in the dirt. He threw his curveball for strikes. Josh (Thole)said his split was outstanding tonight."

Cole Hamels will likely be a free agent after this season as he is not expected to come to terms with the Phillies on an extension before Opening Day. "I haven't been thinking about it at all," Hamels said. "It's going to linger until something happens. Fortunately ... things will take care of itself." Hamels continues to say he does not have a deadline for a deal. "I guess I've got until the start of Spring Training next year [to sign]," Hamels said. "I guess that's kind of what it's down to. I've got 162 games to play, and then postseason and try to go to the World Series. That's always been my focus, being in the best possible shape to win a World Series again. That's just who I am. I just want to win and play my best with my teammates and winning a championship for the city of Philadelphia."

The Astros have released pitcher Zach Duke and veteran hitter Jack Cust. Duke, 28, was an All-Star left-hander for the Pirates in 2009. He appeared in four games this spring, giving up 25 hits including five home runs in 14 1/3 innings. Cust, 32, has 105 major league home runs, 84 of them for the Athletics between 2007 and 2009. He had an elbow injury this spring and hit 1-for-25 in 11 games.

Vladimir Guerrero worked out for Indians scouts at the club's academy in the Dominican Republic, according to sources. "Guerrero was here today at the Indians' academy in Bocachica," a source said. "There seems to be a genuine interest by the Indians to see if he can help the team."

The Mets are close to a minor league deal with right-hander Chris Young, according to a source. Young, 32, is attempting a comeback from right anterior shoulder capsule surgery, the same type of operation that has kept Johan Santana sidelined since September 2010.

Joakim Soria wants to remain with the Royals once he recovers from pending Tommy John surgery to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. "I hope to still be here in Kansas City," he said. "I love this organization. I feel part of this family. I appreciate what they've done for me. I'd really like to stay here." Soria sought out three opinions before settling on the surgery for the second time in his career. He is also resigned to the likelihood that the Royals will exercise the $750,000 buy-out clause on his contract to avoid paying $16.75 million in 2013-14. "I'd like to have the opportunity," he said, "to sign back here after I become a free agent -- if they don't take the option, which is obvious they won't take it. "I just want to get ready as soon as possible to have the chance to pitch on the major-league level again either with this team or another one. I would like to stay here."

Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy are unlikely to receive long-term contract extensions from the Diamondbacks before the start of the season. Contract talks in recent weeks have gone nowhere even though the team had interest in exploring longer deals. "I don't anticipate anything happening with either of them before the start of the season," general manager Kevin Towers said. Kennedy won't be eligible for free agency for four more seasons (after 2015) and Hudson has five years (after 2016) to go.

The Angels have suddenly taken the lead in the race to sign veteran Roy Oswalt. Boston is still in the mix for the right-hander, but Texas and St. Louis have faded from the race.

Jay Franklin, the agent for Ian Kinsler, met with the Rangers on Friday to discuss the possibility of a long-term deal for the second baseman. Franklin said he wasn't "overly optimistic" that a deal could be reached before the end of spring training, but both sides are committed to extending their relationship. "We talked back in January and they said they wanted to meet again while I was out here, so that's what we did," Franklin said. "I always have good meetings with them. They want to keep signing the core group and are sincere about it. (Derek) Holland was a good start and they want to keep going."

Michael Wuertz threw for half of baseball on Thursday. The right-handed reliever held a workout that was attended by representatives from 15 teams.