>>Baseball Commissioner Says Bryant Decision For Cubs, Not Boras

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says agent Scott Boras should steer clear of the Chicago Cubs' plan on how to handle rookie Kris Bryant.

Manfred spoke Friday at the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins.

"I don't think the Cubs' decision with respect to what's going to happen with Kris Bryant is really any of Mr. Boras' business," Manfred said.

The 23-year-old Bryant has hit nine home runs this spring, most in the majors. He led the minor leagues with 43 homers last season.

The Cubs seem to be leaning toward starting the third baseman in the minors. If Bryant begins in the minors, the Cubs could gain an extra year until he's eligible for free agency.

Boras brought up the "integrity" of baseball in lobbying for Bryant to begin the season in the majors.

>>Cards Deal Lefty Freeman To Texas

The Texas Rangers have acquired left- handed reliever Sam Freeman from the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Freeman, 27, made 81 appearances over three seasons with St. Louis, posting a 3.33 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings.

The Cardinals were considering Freeman for a role in their bullpen, but he is out of options and would have had to pass through waivers to be assigned to the minors.