Church 'shocked' after being optioned by Nats  —  VIERA, Fla. — For the second straight spring, the trajectory of Washington Nationals outfielder Ryan Church's major league career was affected by a surprising roster move on the Tuesday before Opening Day.  —  This time around …

Grissom retires after 17 seasons  —  Departure of 38-year-old opens door for Pagan  —  MESA, Ariz. — Veteran outfielder Marquis Grissom ended what he called a "fun ride" and retired from baseball Tuesday, ending his career after 17 seasons.  —  "When it's time, it's time," Grissom said.

Royals claim Graffanino  —  Andrade claimed; Ambres designated for assignment  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Infielder Tony Graffanino is back in the Royals' fold.  —  The Royals claimed Graffanino on waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday and he fits right into the picture in a backup role.

STARTING TO CLICK  —  March 28, 2006 — ONE BAD OUTING WON'T SEND METS OFF TRACH  —  Dodgers 12Mets 3  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Steve Trachsel allowed six hits and six runs in the fourth inning yesterday, the nadir of a brutal outing against the Dodgers for the Mets right-hander.

Rocker has new N.Y. target: Glavine  —  John Rocker hasn't endeared himself to Mets fans in the past, and it doesn't look like he's ready to change anytime soon.  Rocker talked with Metro about playing in New York, why the Mets don't win and his good buddy, Tom Glavine.

Salmon Gets It Right in Return  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — It had been 20 months — July 25, 2004, in Seattle to be exact — since Tim Salmon played the outfield, so as the Angel veteran stood in right field before Monday's triple-A game against Texas, one thought consumed him: "That first ball always finds you."

Someone Forget Their Glove?  —  The New York Yankees are baseball's biggest team.  They dominate the headlines, they dominate the standings, and their team seemingly has every position manned by an all-star.  Yet, since 2003 they've made it to one World Series and they didn't come particularly close to winning that one.

Spring Training: No new deal for Littlefield yet  —  Pirates' GM to enter penultimate season  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — The Pirates have made no move to extend general manager Dave Littlefield's contract, which has two years remaining, even though that was the same amount of time he had left …

2006 AL West EWSL Report  —  The second of six division previews, using Established Win Shares Levels as a jumping-off point.  EWSL is explained here, and you should read that link before commenting on the method; 2006 revisions to the age adjustment are discussed here.

Clubhouse manager forgets bats  —  Tucson — Mike Thalblum, the A's visiting clubhouse manager, was dozing on the team bus to Tucson when he got a call from Billy Beane.  —  "Hey, Mikey, I'm just wondering if you forgot anything,'' the A's GM said.  —  "I said, 'No, Billy, I didn't forget anything …

Tracy shrugs off Perez's lack of velocity  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — Pirates manager Jim Tracy made a surprising assessment on Opening Day starter Oliver Perez before Monday night's exhibition game against Cincinnati.  —  Tracy effectively defused concern about Perez's lack of velocity throughout …

Dodgers cut down to 32  —  Utility infielder Aybar, outfielder Guzman optioned out  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Dodgers continued their roster trimming Tuesday morning, optioning out top prospect Joel Guzman and utility infielder Willy Aybar.  —  The 6-foot-6 Guzman was asked this spring …

Tavarez: one strike, one brawl  —  Sox reliever punches a D-Ray in latest fracas  —  Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez is set to hit Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright in the jaw yesterday on a play at the plate in the eighth inning.  (AP Photo)  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — There have been enough brawls …