Vukovich passes away at 59  —  Coach, who was a part of Phillies for 31 years, dies from cancer  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — There are many funny, sad and heartwarming stories about John Vukovich, as there should be for a man who touched so many lives.  —  A person who spends 41 years in baseball …

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.

Kotsay to be sidelined by surgery  —  Back operation means A's outfielder will be gone from eight to 12 weeks  —  MESA, Ariz. - Mark Kotsay's impact on the A's has been felt both on the field and in the clubhouse during his three seasons in Oakland.  —  Now they will have to make do without …

Shoulder pain throws O's Benson for a loop … JUPITER, FLA. // Two weeks into his rehabilitation program, Orioles pitcher Kris Benson is experiencing an increase in soreness that could accelerate his decision to undergo surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff.

Fogg, Kim on the bubble  —  Fight for the fifth rotation spot may be either/or thing  —  Box score  —  TUCSON — Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim are the incumbents in the battle for the final two spots in the Rockies rotation.  But it doesn't give them an advantage in their bids to retain the spots in 2007.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Philadelphia 6, Toronto 3, 10 innings  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies used the long ball and solid relief to overcome a short outing Brett Myers.  —  Myers struggled with his control from the outset and lasted only 2 2-3 innings Wednesday, but homers by Brennan King …

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 …