Ichiro collects three hits in Mariners' win  —  Outfielder also drives in a run in first game back since Classic  —  MARINERS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 2  —  Diamondbacks at the plate: Arizona didn't do much against Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, but Eric Byrnes singled in a run in the fifth inning …

ESPN'S Colin Cowherd "Borrows" M Zone Material  —  In case you can't tell, it takes a fair amount of work each night to put up what you read everyday here on the M Zone.  But we have a blast doing it.  We better, because it's not like any of us are doing it for the money.

Prey time  —  Timlin relaxes away from camp by going on hunt  —  LA BELLE, Fla. — Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin is going to extraordinary lengths for good, fresh barbecue.  —  It's late in the afternoon and he's dressed in camouflage, sitting in a blind 12 1/2 feet above the fringe of the Everglades.

Soriano Struggles With Mental Adjustment to Left  —  VIERA, Fla., March 23 — He hasn't made an error.  He hasn't misread a fly ball.  He hasn't thrown to the wrong base.  And, in reality, he hasn't been tested.  But two days in, no one associated with the Washington Nationals expects …

It Could Be DH or DL for G.A.  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — The chances of Garret Anderson opening the season in left field seem remote, and the odds of him starting at designated hitter are dwindling.  —  The Angels were hoping Anderson, sidelined since March 7 because of strained tissue in his left foot …

A-Rod homers in Yanks win  —  Proctor goes four scoreless innings; Matsui belts third homer  —  YANKEES 8, ASTROS 1  —  Yankees at the plate: Alex Rodriguez collected his first hit in 14 at-bats this spring, crushing a two-run home run against Carlos Hernandez in the fourth inning.

Remedies Abundant, but Wagner Bides Time  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., March 23 — Billy Wagner will try anything to heal the ailing middle finger on his pitching hand.  —  Well, almost anything.  —  "I'm sure if Saturday comes and it doesn't feel a lot better, they'll just cut it off and put a new one on me …

How Do We Stop Injuries To Young Pitchers? (part two)  —  Carroll, Fleisig and Kullman all agree that fatigue is the more important barometer to measure, not pitch counts.  Kullman says that "pitch counts are the antiquated way of attempting to measure fatigue."

SECOND THOUGHTS  —  March 24, 2006 — JUPITER, Fla. - The Mets are not asking much from their second baseman.  Bat eighth, play well on defense, show the promise for growth.  —  Kazuo Matsui again failed to ascend to those mild requests.  Anderson Hernandez has.

Notes: Rusch 'comfortable' in start  —  Prior able to do about everything except throw a baseball  —  • Cubs' Lee doesn't miss a beat in return  —  • Rusch sharp as Cubs handle Mariners  —  MESA, Ariz. — Glendon Rusch had an outing more to his liking on Thursday.

Know-hitters: Oddball stats from '05  —  Park home run figures among last year's statistical surprises  —  The World Baseball Classic is over, and all eyes now return to Spring Training and the upcoming 2006 regular season.  To help you regain your focus, here is a collection of interesting tidbits …

Bonds lawyer sues over new book on BALCO scandal  —  (03-23) 13:50 PST SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds' lawyer says he'll ask a judge to order that the authors of a new book detailing the Giants' slugger's alleged use of steroids turn over any profits they make.

Notes: Nix gets out in the field  —  Millwood makes final Cactus League start  —  • Rangers' Hyzdu keeps chasing the dream  —  • Rangers fall short against White Sox  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Laynce Nix is back in the Rangers' outfield.  Now he has nine more days to show the Rangers where he will fit on Opening Day.

WBC could see some changes next time  —  MARYVALE, Ariz - Future World Baseball Classics could feature games in Canada, Mexico and South Korea.  A best-of-three championship round.  And yes, actual major-league umpires.  —  Donald Fehr, the head of the Major League Baseball Players' Association …

Indians financially flexible in 2006  —  Shapiro recognizes Indians' strength is in farm system  —  • Sabathia throws six strong in tie  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Ordinarily, the phrase "financial flexibility" isn't in Mark Shapiro's vocabulary.  —  That's just how life …

Team Health Reports  —  Oakland Athletics  —  C Jason Kendall: Ever since his brutal 1999 season, Kendall's been supernaturally healthy (average of 659 PA per year during that period).  Of course, with that PECOTA card, the A's management may be hoping he gets hurt.  The fans certainly do.