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

When Rickey talks, players listen  —  Henderson embraces role of teacher this spring  —  • Mets temporarily shut down Wagner  —  FORT LAUDERDALE — The setting was different, the scenario almost identical.  Then it was Al Leiter, John Franco and Dennis Cook gathered around Sandy Koufax.

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 …

Notes: Decision on Martinez nears  —  Drew getting his swing fine-tuned vs. Minor Leaguers  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Dodgers management will likely put off decisions on some of the final cuts until the Freeway Series, but it won't have that luxury in the case of utility infielder Ramon Martinez …

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.

Wood targets return in late April  —  Cubs ace encouraged by recent throwing sessions  —  • Cubs notes: Lee will not be rushed  —  • Complete Spring Training coverage  —  MESA, Ariz. — Could Kerry Wood be ready by late April?  —  "He very well could be," …

Haren-Lowry face-offs produce comic relief  —  Scottsdale, Ariz. — Dan Haren frequently seems to start against his pal Noah Lowry when the A's play the Giants, and on Tuesday, Haren saved his best stuff for when the Giants' pitcher was at bat.  —  He began Lowry's first at-bat with a curveball at which Lowry swung and missed.

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 …

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.

Two on Two: 2006 NL West Preview  —  Our 2006 season previews move West this week, following Two on Two divisional previews of the AL Central and NL Central.  In the ring against Rich and Bryan today are two of the senior bloggers on the Internet: Geoff Young (Ducksnorts - Padres) and Jon Weisman (Dodger Thoughts).

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 …

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 …