Others set aside entry-level hiring until the spring for a summer or fall start.

WSJ: Job Hunting in the Off Season

"Having him behind the plate, that comfort level, getting to spring training I don't have to try to go over my game plan with three or four different catchers, " Marcum said.

WSJ: Marcum and Mets finalize one-year deal

The four-week moving average decreased by 12, 750 to 388, 500, marking the lowest level of jobless claims since the spring of 2008.

FORBES: Jobless Claims Drop Last Week, Markets Swing To Strong Open