Soriano's Refusal Could Be 'Landmark Case'  —  VIERA, Fla., March 21 — There was no game for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, no lineup card to fill out, no position to which their star player wouldn't report.  But even in the quiet at Space Coast Stadium, where the Nationals hold spring training …

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.

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 …

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.

A finger Wag  —  Closer has soreness on pitching hand and Mets shut him down  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Tendon sheath stiffness may be a fancy term for nothing more serious than a swollen middle finger.  But when that finger is on the left hand of Billy Wagner, it also sounds like trouble …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.