Gyroball makes 'debut': Matsuzaka dazzles Marlins hitters  —  JUPITER, Fla. - The gyroball exists and Daisuke Matsuzaka throws it, at least that's what a couple of major league hitters were left thinking yesterday.  —  Red Sox forum:  —  In Matsuzaka's Red Sox [team stats] …

Lou and Ted ... enough said  —  In this corner, wearing a baby bear patch on his chest and a glove on his right hand, Ted ''The Toronto Mauler'' Lilly. ...  In the other corner, wearing three World Series rings and a 5 o'clock shadow, Sweet Looooouuuuu Piniella.  —  Let's get ready to — well, you get the idea.

Rocker denies he had prescription for HGH  —  Former major league relief pitcher John Rocker told ESPN Radio on Wednesday that he was directed by doctors to take over-the-counter supplements that would raise his human growth hormone levels — and that he never purchased human growth hormone with a prescription.

A breakthrough for Gagné  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Rangers manager Ron Washington has a plan for closer Eric Gagné: he'll allow the former Dodger to pitch against only National League teams in the spring, in an effort to make sure no American League teams see Gagné's stuff.

Pirates Notebook: Eldred would welcome outfield try  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Brad Eldred in the outfield?  —  Sounds fine by him.  —  "Yeah, I can play there," he replied yesterday after hitting his fourth home run in as many games played …

O's open window for three years  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // From The Cover  —  If you, like the Orioles, are looking for a fresh start, it might be psychologically beneficial to view the next three years as the baseball equivalent of one of those windows of opportunity that open up for NFL teams …

Nats' Starting Pitching Could Be a Real Problem  —  How do you establish a culture of leadership in a season of embarrassment?  That's the challenge the Nationals face as they realize, less than a week into the exhibition season, that their starting rotation will probably ensure them a summer of biblical drubbings.

Hughes represents Yankees' new direction … WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — It isn't often in life that we can see the future.  But the New York Yankees can.  —  And its name is Phil (Don't Call Me Philip) Hughes.  —  But not just because Baseball America ranked this 20-year-old buzz-master …

Former Astros pitch in  —  TUCSON - The Rockies have high expectations for the three former Astros they acquired for Jason Jennings in the offseason.  —  But there's another former Astros player trying to make an impact, too.  —  Left-handed reliever Mike Gallo, signed to a minor league contract …

Marlins' Josh Johnson out for at least two months  —  JUPITER — Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson was diagnosed with an irritated ulna nerve that will keep him out for at least the first two months of the season.  —  Johnson, 23, was relieved with the news.

The Best Benches in the American League  —  Of the four parts of every baseball team—starting lineup, bench, rotation, and bullpen—the bench is the least important.  It probably isn't even close.  —  However, the difference between a good bench and a bad one is huge, especially as soon as injuries strike.

Production Milledge's forte  —  Mets outfielder making music for his own record label  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Getting to New York City, that is the objective.  It's where Lastings Milledge knows he has to be to further his career.  He's confident the hits will come once he gets to the Big Apple.

Mariners bullish on Putz for good reason  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — How's that stock portfolio performing these days?  Boy, that market volatility is a peach, eh?  —  But wonder if, even during these uncertain times, there was a sure-thing investment.  Would that be of interest to you?

Mr. Laid-back can relax now  —  Damon says he felt pressure in first year after leaving Red Sox  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Johnny Damon might be the last player one would expect to feel tense or put undue pressure on himself.  —  Damon is known as Mr. Laid-back, the guy who chills out everyone else.

Hotter days forecast  —  Giles believes improved stance is good ice breaker  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - The San Diego Kid felt like he was in Iceland.  —  Maybe Siberia.  —  Definitely a latitude several degrees north of his native El Cajon.  —  "I never got hot," Brian Giles was saying yesterday.