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Boston Red Sox: Trot Nixon better hope the players union doesn't read this article by Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe. While not actually admitting he took a hometown discount to stay with the Red Sox, he does hope that some of the other big name Boston free agents-to-be follow his lead and not try to wring every last penny from some other team. "I love the fans, that was a huge factor," he told Hohler about his decision to stay in Boston. "And ultimately it's the passion each guy has in this clubhouse to win a championship here." Hohler also reports that the Sox are trying outfielder Gabe Kapler at first and third base to make him more useful to have around. Former Diamondback Tony Womack is way ahead of schedule on his recovery from elbow surgery and busting his backside to win a bench job with the Sox.

Kansas City Royals: While Roger Clemens gets the royal treatment in the Astros camp, his old University of Texas teammate Greg Swindell is fighting astronomical odds to win a job at the Royals camp. His 16-year career appeared to be at end when the Diamondbacks sent him home a year ago and he took a job as pitching coach with Texas State University (until recently known as Southwest Texas State). While working out, though, his velocity suddenly returned. "He's a guy with a lot of experience," manager Tony Pena told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. "We'll bring him to camp and see what he can show us." He has signed a minor league contract and will make the big league minimum salary of $300,000 if he sticks with the big team.

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