Each day, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez begins his quest to return to the majors with a run, some weight lifting and, occasionally, a bullpen session in his beloved Miami. It's been three years since Hernandez last pitched in the majors, and yet he remains as intent as ever on a comeback. For part of the offseason, Hernandez worked out with fellow Cuban veterans Danys Baez and his brother Livan, who signed with the Phillies and Nationals, respectively. One could argue that Hernandez -- even at age 44, or thereabouts -- is in better shape than either Baez or his brother.

"I feel that baseball is part of my life, it's like a family for me," Hernandez said in a phone interview. "I feel in great shape. I still think I can pitch in the majors. I showed last year in Texas that I can relieve or start. This winter [in Venezuela] I also showed that I can pitch. I guess I have to wait and be patient."