Kotsay to have back surgery, could miss up to 3 months  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Athletics center fielder Mark Kotsay could be sidelined up to three months following arthroscopic surgery on his back Thursday.  —  The procedure, to be performed in Los Angeles …

Long-time Phillies coach John Vukovich dies  —  John Vukovich, the longest tenured coach in Phillies history, died early this morning at a Philadelphia Hospital.  He was 59 years of age.  —  Mr. Vukovich spent 31 of his 41 years in baseball as a member of the Phillies organization.

Caution: Bosox  —  As he gets reacquainted with starter's role, Park pitches carefully to powerful Boston lineup  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Chan Ho Park was prohibited from making his first scheduled start for the Mets last week because of visa problems that did not allow him to pitch anywhere that charged admission.

Guzman grabs hold of opportunity … ST. PETERSBURG - The best news that Rays prospect Joel Guzman heard when he was traded from the Dodgers late last season was that his new team wanted him to return to the infield.  —  As Guzman - a former shortstop - sprouted to 6 feet 6 …

Rocket visits Yanks; no decision yet  —  Pettitte, Jeter think Clemens will pitch again, when he's ready  —  TAMPA, Fla. — As Andy Pettitte warmed up on the mound before Wednesday night's game against the Reds, Roger Clemens settled into a seat next to the Yankees dugout, just behind Joe Torre.

Payroll is competitive and flexible  —  JUPITER, FLA. — In more ways than one, the Cardinals pick up this April where they left off in October.  —  The Cardinals will begin defense of their World Series title with a major league payroll slightly below its 2006 season-ending figure but above …

Even better  —  Have I mentioned that we have a new slogan here in beautiful Viera?  Mea culpa.  —  If you recall, there used to be three billboards on the left field wall at HSCS with some version of the slogan, "Viera — It's All Here."  (The number of ways to pick that apart are countless …

How the Florida Marlins Can Win the World Series  —  Will talks with Christina about Florida's chances in the Marlins Hope and Faith edition of Baseball Prospectus Radio.  Click to download the mp3.  —  Now, I know what you're thinking, Marlins-brand hope and faith might seem an unusual topic to bring up …

Miller wades to forefront in arms race  —  Seizes early edge as Cubs' 5th starter  —  MESA, Ariz. — With one start down and five to go, Wade Miller is the front-runner in his bid to capture the fifth spot in the Cubs rotation.  —  Just don't tell Miller.  —  "I've only had one outing," he said.

Notes: Jenkins kicks old habit  —  Subdued leg lift working so far  —  Phoenix - Brewers leftfielder Geoff Jenkins, who knocked heads at times with former hitting coach Butch Wynegar over his approach at the plate, is not the same hitter this spring.  —  Jenkins, who got himself in trouble …

Start getting used to it: Papelbon wants to close book on bullpen  —  FORT MYERS - Tim Wakefield [stats] was being lighthearted, but he spoke for Red Sox [team stats] fans everywhere yesterday when asked about Jonathan Papelbon [stats].  —  The whole closer-vs.-starter debate just won't go away …

THT Mailbag: Double Stuff Edition  —  It's been a couple weeks since we've run a mailbag, so this one is especially long.  I hope you guys enjoy, and check back for another mailbag next week.  —  Working the Count  —  I know that your data sources provides stats such as P/PA and LD%.

Mariners Notebook: Mellow Bonds shows up with little fanfare  —  Scene surrounding Bonds mirrors his mellow attitude  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — If you didn't know better, you'd have sworn Barry Bonds was the happiest, most carefree guy in the world.  —  As he came to the plate …

Notes: Fielder ready to return to lineup  —  First baseman says he'll be available to play Thursday  —  PHOENIX — So much for Prince Fielder's return to action.  —  The Brewers first baseman has been sidelined by a strained right quadriceps and was expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants.

Hampton hurt while taking swings  —  Latest injury will sideline lefty for the start of regular season  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Just as his left elbow was showing signs of improvement, Mike Hampton has endured an injury to his left side that will definitely erase his availability for the start of the regular season.