Bochy similar to Alou, according to new book  —  Writer/historian James examines managers in his latest baseball handbook  —  Bill James has noticed that whenever fans start debating the merits of a manager, there are essentially two types of arguments.  —  There is "He's a genius."

Hamilton's Red-letter spring is made for Hollywood … SARASOTA, Fla. — Sometimes, the stories we tell aren't really baseball stories.  —  Sometimes, they're just the stories of human beings — people who rise, who fall, who sadden us, who inspire us.  We only use baseball as a reason to tell those tales.

Take a look at Sammy  —  Cubs do, and he gets 2 hits vs. team that didn't want him back  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — If Sammy Sosa had his way, the Cubs' first look at him this spring would have come a lot sooner than Friday, when he started in right field for the Texas Rangers in a split-squad exhibition against the Cubs.

Pirates Notebook: Wilson eyes patience at plate  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Jack Wilson is aware that some question the Pirates' decision to bat him No. 2 in the order, given his .305 career on-base percentage.  —  At the same time, he seems determined to prove management right.

Mets Tell Sánchez It's Time to Shape Up  —  Manager Willie Randolph will be in his office at 8 a.m. sharp Saturday, and if Duaner Sánchez knows what's good for him, he will be there 15 minutes early.  —  "It wouldn't be a great idea to be late, that's for sure," Randolph said.

Burrell struggles with contacts  —  Still insists he has no vision trouble  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - It was an eye-opener of a day for Pat Burrell.  —  Aided by his pal, non-roster catcher Jason Hill, Burrell finally got the contact lenses on his eyeballs yesterday morning.

Let's Make a Deal!  —  In a market that values a league-average starting pitcher at $10 million a season guaranteed for performance that is decidedly not so, finding five guys who fit that description isn't easy.  Looking around, there aren't five teams who, even in hopeful sunshine of March …

Hansen back in mix: Young righty makes first appearance  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - On the day the Red Sox [team stats] lost reliever Mike Timlin [stats] to injury, Craig Hansen made his return.  —  The young right-hander pitched for the first time this spring, allowing three hits and two runs …

Hendrickson hopes to make roster, stay  —  Out of Minor League options, prospect eyeing big-league shot  —  PHOENIX — Simple question: Does Ben Hendrickson, who has been stalled in "prospect" purgatory for three years, feel like this is the year he finally cracks the Brewers roster and stays long enough to unpack his suitcase?

Hope and Faith  —  How the Milwaukee Brewers Can Win the World Series … —Bud Selig  —  These aren't Bud Selig's Brewers.  Selig may have brought baseball back to Beer City, maybe swindled a big freaky stadium out of the state, and he may be a peachy commissioner …

Notes: Sanchez in Randolph's doghouse  —  Reliever's tardiness leads to one-day banishment from camp  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — In Willie Randolph's clubhouse, rules are rigid or they're not rules at all, but merely guidelines.  As the Mets manager explained that Thursday, his back became rigid …

Andruw Jones ready to strike gold  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Andruw Jones shuffles through the Atlanta Braves' clubhouse, full of bravado and bluster, the voice rising as he switches easily from English to Spanish to rant about some perceived slight during batting practice.  —  Not to worry.

The Best Benches in the National League  —  Earlier this week, I took a look at the best benches in the American League.  Naturally, it's time to switch our focus to the senior circuit.  —  In general, benches appear to be a little weaker in the National League.

Braves, Redman agree to minor-league contract  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Left-hander Mark Redman agreed Friday to a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves, who learned a day earlier that Mike Hampton will be sidelined for up to two months.  Redman was scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays.