Assuming he's still with the Chicago Cubs when the season begins, Jeff Samardzija knows everyone will be watching him.

He has been mentioned in trade rumors for a majority of his baseball career.

"If anything, it just puts a chip on your shoulder," Samardzija said.

"It makes you want to go out and prove yourself even more."

Jon Lester may begin discussing a long-term deal with the Boston Red Sox soon.

Lester's agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, arrived in town Thursday to meet with their Red Sox clients.

It is unclear if the Levinson's appearance in camp will signal talks regarding an extension for Lester.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have good depth at shortstop and are reportedly targeting a young catcher in trade talks.

They have Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius at short as the season approaches.

Cliff Lee has been the subject of trade rumors each of the last two seasons, but the Philadelphia Phillies have hung on to him.

If the Phillies aren't positioned for a playoff run around the trade deadline, Lee could finally be moved.

A contending team could have him for two stretch runs, and possibly a third if an option for 2016 kicks in.

"I don't really care," Lee said Thursday. "There's no sense really thinking about it. Honestly, it usually means a good thing. It means you've had success and other teams really want you. So that's a positive."

Lee signed a five-year, $120 million contract with the Phillies before the 2011 season.

Justin Masterson avoided arbitration with the Cleveland Indians, but a multiyear deal is still being negotiated.

"I will probably still be here for another couple years," he said Thursday. "There is nothing monumental happening right now. If something gets done, it will be before the season begins."

Masterson will earn $9.7 million in 2014.

He will be eligible for free agency after this season.

The San Francisco Giants are open to the idea of extending Pablo Sandoval's contract before the season, according to Larry Baer.

There have been no talks yet as spring evaluation is just beginning.

Sandoval hit .278/.341/.417 with 14 home runs and 79 RBI last season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will decide between Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius at shortstop, but the decision could be finalized sooner than expected if a trade is made.

"It's been pretty quiet of late," Kevin Towers said of the trade market. "With Stephen Drew still out there right now, I haven't had much trade discussions."

Towers didn't shoot down the idea of a trade, even spelling out what Arizona would want in return for one of their shortstops.

"For us, it would have to be the right deal," Towers said. "Our biggest needs in our system are catching. If it's the right, top-notch catching prospect. Someone we could have right behind Miggy. More of an upper-level guy. Maybe a top, upper-end starter. We have a lot of bullpen depth, infielders. Maybe an outfielder, but probably more catching and Double-A, Triple-A type starter."

The Boston Red Sox have not had meaningful talks with Stephen Drew.

The club appears set to move forward with its present roster construction.

Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 Major League seasons.

Pavano, 38, didn't pitch after June 1 in 2012 because of a strained right shoulder. His spleen was removed in January 2013 after he was injured when he fell in the snow at his home in Vermont.

The Los Angeles Angels have signed Mike Trout to a one-year, $1 million deal.

It's the largest pre-arbitration contract for a player, surpassing a record shared by Ryan Howard, who got $900,000 from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007.

"It's a landmark to do a $1 million with a two-plus player," Jerry Dipoto said. "I think it's fitting and Mike's earned that and we're glad to provide that for him."

Trout also was pleased about the deal, saying, "It feels good."

Negotiations continue between the Angels and Trout, 22, on a multiyear contract.