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MLB notebook: Stanton arrives early to first Yankees camp

[February 17, 2018] Giancarlo Stanton arrived early to spring training camp in Tampa, Fla., on Friday as a member of the New York Yankees.

"It's time to get to work," Stanton said.

Stanton, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player who was traded by the Miami Marlins to the Yankees in December, talked to reporters at his clubhouse locker at George M. Steinbrenner Field. He said he would begin workouts at the team's minor league complex and that he's looking forward to "a fresh start" with New York.

"It's a new learning experience," Stanton said. "I've got all new teammates, all new opponents really, and (to get) a feel for the city. It's going to be fun."

--Yankees prospect Thairo Estrada, 21, told reporters in Tampa, Fla., on Friday that he was shot late last month during a botched robbery in his hometown of Bejuma, Venezuela.

Though the bullet is still in his hip despite surgery, Estrada is not expected to suffer any long-term ramifications from the injury, new Yankees manager Aaron Boone reportedly told the media.

According to Estrada, he and his wife were at a restaurant when two teenagers entered the business and asked for money or a phone. He said they searched his pockets and when they found nothing, then shot him in the leg. His wife was unharmed, Estrada told reporters through a translator.

--The New York Mets and starting left-hander Jason Vargas reached agreement on a two-year, $16 million deal, according to multiple reports Friday.

The deal is pending a physical and reportedly includes a club option for 2020.

Vargas, 35, went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA in 32 starts last year for the Kansas City Royals after missing most of the previous two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. He matched for the most wins in the majors last season and was an American League All-Star selection.

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--Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez is crediting Tom Brady's "TB12 Method" book for helping him drop 15 pounds since last season and get into better shape.

The 34-year-old Ramirez is beginning his 13th full major league season, reporting to the Red Sox's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday. "The TB12 Method" is the book that Brady, the 40-year-old New England Patriots quarterback, released last year detailing his mental, physical and nutritional approach.

"It's working for me," Ramirez told reporters, via MassLive.com. "If you sit down and see what he's saying in the book, it made a lot of sense."

--The Texas Rangers agreed to terms with free-agent right-hander Edinson Volquez on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. The deal covers the 2018 and '19 seasons, the team announced.

After reporting to Surprise, Ariz., Volquez will continue to rehab from ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow that took place on Aug. 4, 2017. He is expected to remain in the extended spring program once the regular season begins.

According to multiple reports, the Rangers do not expect Volquez to pitch at all this season. The 34-year-old was 4-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 17 starts with the Marlins last season.

--Field Level Media

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