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] …

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 …

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.

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.

Johnson out two months  —  Marlins' potential No. 2 starter sidelined by nerve irritation  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Tests revealed that Josh Johnson has ulnar nerve irritation in his right biceps area that will result in him being out at least two months.  —  The Marlins' 23-year-old right-hander underwent …

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.

Rotation hopefuls in spotlight  —  MESA, Ariz. — Things should start to heat up this week in the battle for the lone opening in the Cubs' starting rotation as the three candidates pitch in succession Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  —  And don't be surprised to see left-hander Neal Cotts …

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?

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.

At 88, a Hall of Famer Who's Still in There Pitching  —  The driver's door of the white Buick LaCrosse opened, and one of the senior members of the Baseball Hall of Fame stepped out briskly Tuesday morning.  He was wearing the official Cleveland Indians uniform, buttoned to the top …

White Sox GM Williams won't sit still  —  Perhaps no general manager is trying harder than the White Sox's Ken Williams to stay ahead of the escalating market for starting pitching.  —  If, at first glance, Williams' logic appears elusive, so be it.  After a moment's reflection — OK …

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.

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.