Speed trap  —  Bonds failed amphetamine test, blamed teammate  —  Barry Bonds, already under investigation for lying under oath about his steroid use, failed a test under Major League Baseball's amphetamine policy last season and then initially blamed it on a teammate, the Daily News has learned.

Duo hopes to crack Mets' rotation  —  As spring nears, Maine, Williams not taking anything for granted  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — John Maine and Dave Williams both insist their presence at the Mets' annual minicamp has everything to do with getting some early work in and nothing to do with trying …

Going Deep: Manny Acta and Fredi Gonzalez  —  The National League East is feeding upon itself.  The Marlins canned Joe Girardi as manager and hired Braves coach Fredi Gonazlez.  The Nationals said goodbye to Frank Robinson and grabbed top managing prospect Manny Acta from the Mets.

Dodgers to institute all-you-can-eat section  —  At first glance, the cheap seats at Dodger Stadium don't seem all that cheap anymore, as a ticket in the right-field pavilion will cost you $40 for the 2007 season.  —  But if you're a big fan of ballpark concessions, that might be a decent deal.

Rocket set for return, says agent  —  It is "more than 50-50" that Roger Clemens will return to the mound this season, according to Randy Hendricks, one of the Rocket's Houston-based agents.  —  Hendricks, in a question-and-answer session with the Houston Chronicle published …

Cubs may still have some moves to make  —  After spending nearly $300 million this off-season, the Cubs still aren't finished.  —  The team is trying to add two outfielders, and a trade of right fielder Jacque Jones remains a possibility.  —  Jones, signed for $9 million over the next two seasons …

Back to the Boogie Down  —  Former South Bronx star Sanchez hopes to make mark with Bombers  —  Humberto Sanchez made his annual appearance at South Bronx High School late last month to provide some of the Phoenix baseball players with perspective and instruction from a professional pitcher.

Rivera shines in winter ball playoffs  —  Former Major Leaguer heats up in Mexican Pacific League  —  Coming off a successful regular season in the Mexican Pacific League, where he batted .282 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs, former Major Leaguer Ruben Rivera is batting .300 with four RBIs …

A Pedro sighting  —  Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez is upbeat about his shoulder recovery as he visits Mets' minicamp.  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — On a day when the sun and clouds were fighting to a draw and the breeze was a little too chilly for Florida, the Mets held a mini-camp Wednesday …

Worrell reaches end of road with Giants  —  MOVE OPENS ORTIZ'S ROSTER SPOT  —  One day after the Giants welcomed back Russ Ortiz, one of his 2002 World Series teammates volunteered a roster space for him.  —  Right-hander Tim Worrell announced his retirement because of neck and shoulder issues …

Cardinals sign Mulder to two-year deal  —  Club also locks in Franklin, inks Ankiel, Cabrera to Minors pacts  —  ST. LOUIS — Familiarity bred content for Mark Mulder.  The left-hander, recuperating from late-summer shoulder surgery, agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with St. Louis on Wednesday.

On the spot  —  Hall speculates where he'll land in outfield  —  thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com  —  Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost said he's not ready yet to tell Bill Hall which outfield position he will play during the 2007 season.  —  But Hall has his own idea on the subject.

Rangers plan to move summer night games' start time to 7:35  —  DALLAS - Rangers fans ready for spring training to begin had the chance to talk some baseball with members of the organization at the first of five planned town hall meetings Wednesday night at an Academy Sports & Outdoors.