Report: Athletes received illegal 'roids via online ring  —  The West Coast had BALCO.  Now the East Coast could be in the midst of its own steroid scandal.  —  An illicit steroid distribution network, which may be responsible for Internet sales of performance-enhancing drugs nationwide …

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.

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."

New Cub Marquis opens spring games  —  Righty channels Maddux as he begins journey with Chicago  —  MESA, Ariz. — Jason Marquis doesn't look like Greg Maddux, and doesn't have the same career numbers as Greg Maddux, but he has the same mindset.  At least, that's Michael Barrett's take on the new Cubs pitcher.

Ramirez talks to wall  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — When he's home, Hanley Ramirez talks to the wall — specifically, to the plaque in the living room honoring him as NL Rookie of the Year last season.  —  "I look at it every day," he says.  "I tell it, `You're going to make me work hard this year."

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.

Miller's Clout Goes Unrewarded by Veteran Voters  —  You'll excuse Marvin Miller, please, if he is more concerned right now about his left shoulder than he is about his vote count.  —  "Terry and I were in Florida in mid-December," Miller said, referring to his wife.

Tigers get off to a fast start in opener  —  Starter Durbin retires six of the seven batters he faced  —  TIGERS 5, METS 4  —  Tigers at the plate: Ryan Raburn led off the second inning with a home run to left against Oliver Perez.  Omar Infante (double) and Sean Casey (sacrifice fly) drove in runs in the first.

Ankiel making his pitch with his bat  —  Knee injury in '06 set prospect back, but talent is unmistakable  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Rick Ankiel is almost certainly ticketed for the Minor Leagues.  But he's going to make the most of the ride until he's sent down.

Notes: Wagner getting 'giddy' with it  —  Left-hander breaks in split-finger fastball in first exhibition game  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — It was a debut within a debut, a coming out within an unveiling.  There in the top of the fifth inning of the Mets' first exhibition game …

Giants to sign Cain to four-year deal  —  Details being worked out before club makes announcement  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants are expected to announce as early as Thursday that they have agreed to terms with right-hander Matt Cain on a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year.

Ramirez staying put after all  —  Rather than test free agency, third baseman Aramis Ramirez has decided to remain with the Chicago Cubs.  —  Ramirez, 28, has agreed to a five-year, $73 million contract with a vesting option, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Just in time, too.

Sosa a near-lock for Rangers, but questions will follow  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — There are two possible scenarios under which the Sammy Sosa Comeback Tour won't be coming to a stadium near you in April.  —  He could inject his bat with cork.  Or his butt with Winstrol.

One inning gives Parrish joy … FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // It was one inning of one spring training game, meaningless by most standards.  —  So, why was John Parrish smiling?  —  That happens when you've been out of the majors since undergoing ligament-replacement surgery on your left elbow in July 2005.

Baseball Q&A with Dan Connolly … Michael, Boalsburg, Pa.: What is the key to developing a consistent flow of talent that keeps low-budget teams like the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins competitive without breaking the bank?  —  Dan Connolly: Start with the top.