MARK CUBAN IN MEGABUCKS BID FOR CUBS  —  Billionaire blogger Mark Cuban is more serious about buying a major league baseball team than he's been letting on.  The tech entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner is set to offer $625 million to buy the Chicago Cubs from Tribune Co., according to a source familiar with the matter.

Wood ready to go after 27-pitch outing  —  MESA, Ariz. — Out of the hot tub, into the Cactus League.  That's the idea, anyway, for Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who said he felt great during a 27-pitch session of throwing to hitters Tuesday and said he's fully recovered from the chest bruise …

How the Boston Red Sox Can Win the World Series  —  Will talks with Keith about Boston's chances in the Red Sox edition of Hope and Faith Radio.  Click to download the mp3.  —  Despite success of 2004, Red Sox Nation has typically been full of "hope" but little "faith."

Notes: Hall's outfit adds humor to camp  —  Outfielder lightens mood by unveiling spandex gear  —  PHOENIX — Who says Spring Training workouts aren't any fun?  —  Bill Hall injected some laughs into Brewers camp Wednesday morning, when the position players were timed in the 60-yard dash on a back field at Maryvale Baseball Park.

Ramirez Ready  —  But Francona Will Hold Him Back  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Manny Ramirez is eager to make up for lost time.  But the left fielder, who arrived in camp Monday, six days after the reporting date for position players, will have to wait to make his debut.

Notes: Benson hoping to avoid surgery  —  Right-hander rehabbing in four-week program at spring camp  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — It's only five days into a four-week rehabilitation program, but Kris Benson can already feel a difference in his pitching shoulder.

Nationals 6, Nationals 2 (10)  —  There is, perhaps, nothing better than Bonus Intrasquad Baseball (BIB), but because Artie Munoz (who looks as much like a clubby as he does a left-handed pitcher) needed to get an inning in, that's exactly what we got here at HSCS.

Kielty to have knee scoped; Kotsay frustrated  —  PHOENIX — Oakland Athletics outfielder Bobby Kielty has a torn meniscus in his left knee that will require arthroscopic surgery in the coming days, sidelining him for three-to-six weeks.  —  Kielty, who came to camp in the best shape of his career …

Matthews ordered drug shipment  —  Angels outfielder sent HGH from busted pharmacy … SI.com: Tell us what you've uncovered?  —  Llosa/Wertheim: Again, it could be weeks before the client lists from Tuesday's raid — and others before it — have been combed through.

Are Cards in Rocket's orbit?  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Described more as fanciful thinking than a realistic hope, the Cardinals recently told agents representing seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens that they are interested should the 44-year-old expand his list of potential 2007 landing spots beyond Houston, New York and Boston.

Pirates rout Manatee College, 8-1, in exhibition opener  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Cuban defector Yoslan Herrera pitched two perfect innings in the Pirates' 8-1 exhibition-opening rout of Manatee Community College today at McKechnie Field.

Notes: Relievers fighting for spots  —  Black suggests he may keep 12 pitchers after Spring Training  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — There's a month of exhibition games to be played, but manager Bud Black gave an indication on Tuesday as to how many pitchers he might be inclined to carry on the Opening Day roster.

Notes: Nats play first intrasquad game  —  Chico trying to fix mechanics; Hanrahan overcomes nerves  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals held their first intrasquad game on Tuesday and it ended in a 4-4 tie in nine innings at Space Coast Stadium.  —  Left-hander Matt Chico …

Mickey Mantle novel to be published  —  NEW YORK (AP) — A racy novel about baseball great Mickey Mantle has found a new home after being canceled in the wake of publisher Judith Regan's firing.  —  Lyons Press, an imprint of Globe Pequot Press that publishes many sports books …