Berra not on Yanks' list of spring instructors

The director the Yogi Berra Museum says the Hall of Fame catcher is not going to spring training with the New York Yankees because the 87-year-old's travel is limited.

David Kaplan said in an email Monday that Berra's heath was pretty good and that Berra plans on attending games at Yankee Stadium. Berra lives in New Jersey.

Berra's name was not listed among the guest instructors for Yankees camp. Several employees at George M. Steinbrenner Field said no locker was set aside for Berra's use.

A visible presence at spring training for many years, the popular 10-time World Series champion had more difficulty walking during camp last year.

Berra has taken several spills in the past few years. Two years ago, he fell at spring training and was taken to a hospital and released the same day. He also missed Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium in 2010 after a fall.

New-look Astros open spring training

A new era has begun for the Houston Astros, who will be playing under a new manager, in a new league and even in new blue and orange uniforms.

Manager Bo Porter led several pitchers and catchers through an informal workout in Kissimmee, Fla., on Monday, a day before the Astros' first organized spring training workout as members of the American League.

He says the Astros can use a new attitude and a new level of expectations after back-to-back seasons with more than 100 losses, worst in franchise history.

The Astros have brought in several new pitchers, including Philip Humber, Alex White, Eric Bedard and John Ely, to compete for two spots in their rotation and virtually every spot in their bullpen.

Carpenter hasn't given up on pitching again

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter hasn't ruled out pitching again, including this year.

The 37-year-old Carpenter met with reporters at Busch Stadium on Monday as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Jupiter, Fla. Last week, the team all but ruled him out for this year after problems in his right arm.

Carpenter is entering the second year of a two-year, $21 million contract and said he owed it the organization to keep trying. But after undergoing an eighth surgery last season, he said there would not be a ninth.

Carpenter knew something was wrong a few weeks ago when his hand turned red and purple and was aching soon after he began throwing from a mound.