Soriano mulling over left-field decision  —  Slugger to announce whether he'll play left on Wednesday  —  • Buy Nationals Spring Training tickets  —  • MLB.com's Bill Ladson on Soriano  —  • Slowes on Soriano, loss of Ayala  —  • Soriano's bio, career statistics

Arroyo sad about leaving Red Sox  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - Bronson Arroyo clutched his going-away gift, a black autographed bat from Manny Ramirez.  A delivery containing a 3-wood golf club arrived as the pitcher stood in the clubhouse he would soon leave.  —  "Arroyo, here's your last package …

Reds release West Hi's Rhodes  —  Reds notebook  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - A professional career that began 19 years ago and thrived overseas ended Saturday for Tuffy Rhodes.  —  The Reds released the 37-year-old outfielder, who was in major-league camp as a non-roster invitee, as part of six moves that left 42 players remaining.

Notes: Cubs play it safe with Lee  —  First baseman likely to return later this week from injury  —  • Cubs' Wood targets return in late April  —  • Complete Spring Training coverage  —  MESA, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee is not expected to play until later …

Vinatieri agrees in principle to deal with Colts … In a move fraught with irony on any number of fronts, the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history is about to be replaced by one of the most clutch placement specialists in the game.  —  Unrestricted free agent Adam Vinatieri …

I N T H E G A R D E N  —  Kerry just emailed this over.  Love the language transaltion from Esapanol.  Juan González has apparently rebuffed the Red Sox and signed with the A's.  No surprise that Alen Nero is his agent.  The Red Averages, cool.  If true, what kind of deal is this?

Pirates will have one of baseball's youngest rotations  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Oliver Perez will start the Pittsburgh Pirates' season opener on April 3 rather than 2005 rookie standout Zach Duke.  —  The unexpected move — Perez has pitched once for Pittsburgh this spring after spending …

Smoltz: Finesse for a change  —  Jupiter, Fla. — Say hello to John Smoltz, change-up specialist.  —  The Braves' No. 2 starter continued his transformation with five scoreless innings of two-hit ball in an 8-1 rout of the Cardinals on Monday.  He had one walk and four strikeouts.

Keystone Quandary  —  JUPITER, Fla. - Late in Monday's game against Atlanta, the Cardinals infield consisted of four players who, ostensibly, could start at second base at any time this season.  —  Around the horn: … Given that Spiezio is going to see rare double-switch …

Henderson Makes His Debut and Steals the Show  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 21 — On a day that Anna Benson and Bill Parcells were in the crowd for the Mets' exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles, Rickey Henderson had a rapt audience of his own.  —  Tuesday was the debut of Henderson …

As A's hitting coach, Perry is off on the right foot  —  Phoenix — Many of the A's don't know it, but their new hitting coach was known for more than his bat during his playing days.  Gerald Perry was a real speedster.  —  In 1987, Perry stole 42 bases with the Braves.

Notes: For Thornton, it's about control  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Matt Thornton doesn't hide from the wild streak that has plagued him during the course of his two-year Major League career.  —  When the newly acquired left-hander was asked on Tuesday morning about his moderately high walk total allowed …