Beckett, Howard star in daytime drama  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — For a moment, after 252-pound Ryan Howard had thrown down his glove and raised his arms, challenging 222-pound Josh Beckett, it looked as though the two might go.  Power pitcher vs. power hitter, with bat and ball nowhere in sight.

passing go  —  quoting from VEB back on february 8: … and so it has, apparently.  read and weep at the official site: … that gibes with derrick goold's chat post yesterday to the effect that encarnacion will be getting "a test drive" in the #2 hole, as that's where TLR would prefer him.

With Millar's help, Mazzone gets tattoo  —  O's pitching coach gets red-and-blue pennant on left shoulder  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Credit Kevin Millar with his first scoop as a participatory journalist.  Baltimore's part-time first baseman and outfielder has also been keeping a diary for MLB.com …

Bonds might not swing again till regular season  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barry Bonds might not take another Cactus League swing in Arizona, choosing instead to rest his tender left elbow and surgically repaired right knee before the season starts.  —  Bonds was examined by two doctors Sunday …

Some Question Soriano's Effort  —  Coach Says He Needs Extra Fielding Work  —  VIERA, Fla., March 26 — Alfonso Soriano, the Washington Nationals' left fielder, had a line drive sail over him in the top of the first inning Sunday, then hit the first pitch he saw well over the left field fence …

Anderson Does Well in the Field  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — So much for working his way back into the lineup as a designated hitter.  After missing almost three weeks because of strained tissue in his left foot, Garret Anderson returned to left field Sunday, hitting a run-scoring single in three …

Fists flying ...  For the second straight day, the Red Sox were involved in a bench-clearing incident in a spring training game.  —  In the top of the eighth, Sox reliever Julian Tavarez threw a punch at Devil Rays outfielder Joey Gathright after he slid into home plate (with Tavarez covering).

And the 2006 champs will be ...  This probably will be my dumbest column of the year, and I say "probably" only to allow for some future knuckleheaded analysis that may fly off my fingers on a moment's notice.  —  A column predicting the next World Series champion ensures that the writer will A.) …

Dodgers cut bullpen candidates  —  Wunsch reassigned; Hamulack, Houlton, Broxton to Triple-A  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Dodgers' bullpen situation became clearer on Monday, when the club cut four candidates, most notably its two remaining situational left-handers, Kelly Wunsch and Tim Hamulack.

And an Idiot Shall Lead Them  —  Johnny Damon may or may not deliver the Yankees to the promised land, but he's their most likable savior in years.  —  O  —  n the first day of spring training at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida, things looked a lot like they did last year.  Carl Pavano was still hurt.

Two on Two: 2006 AL West Preview  —  Our season previews roll on today, as we stay out on the left coast to preview the AL West.  In the hot seat with Rich and Bryan today are Tyler Bleszinski (Blez) from Athletics Nation and Rob McMillin from 6-4-2.  Before we begin, here's a quick look at our previous division previews:

Struggling Dellucci hears trade talk  —  Rangers' frustrated outfielder trying to win leadoff spot  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - It's been a miserable week for outfielder David Dellucci.  —  He's still not sure if his 29 home runs and .367 on-base percentage last year are enough to keep him in the leadoff spot in the Rangers' lineup.

Chien-Ming dinged  —  Righty takes liner off kneecap  —  TAMPA - On a day when Jorge Posada returned to Legends Field for the first time since breaking his nose Wednesday night, the Yankees watched starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang limp off the field in the top of the third inning of yesterday's game against Detroit.

Masterful Pedro blows away fears  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets can finally exhale.  After weeks of having to modify shoes, renovate mounds and rearrange schedules, Pedro Martinez zipped through the Orioles yesterday in what could only be described as an unqualified success.

Flight problem latest hitch in Prior recovery plan  —  MESA, Ariz. — A delayed flight has delayed the resumption of Mark Prior's recovery program from a shoulder strain.  —  Prior had been scheduled to meet Saturday or Sunday with Dr. Stephen Gryzlo to determine when he could start playing catch and set up a throwing program.