Will maturity be lasting?  —  Milledge shows signs of growing, but roster spot is not guaranteed  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Lastings Milledge means it when he says: "I think I'm at the end of developing as a prospect.  I'm done being a prospect.  I'm not a prospect anymore."  —  He doesn't mean to sound cocky.

Helton's bat springing to life  —  After two subpar seasons, 9-for-17 start positive sign  —  TUCSON - For Todd Helton, this is a season of redemption.  —  He established himself as one of the game's elite players, but the last two years have been more good than great.  And it bothers Helton.

Second plunking by Brocail irks Rockies  —  TUCSON, Ariz. - Tempers flared yesterday when Padres reliever Doug Brocail plunked a Rockies front-line player for the second time in four days.  —  Brocail, who nailed Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the wrist Saturday …

Roberts, O's agree to two-year deal … JUPITER, FLA. // After about seven weeks of discussions, the Orioles have agreed in principle to a two-year contract extension with second baseman Brian Roberts that, barring a trade, will keep him in Baltimore through the 2009 season.

A-Rod: Love me ... or else  —  Says pressure's on fans to make him want to stay  —  TAMPA - Alex Rodriguez has a message for his hometown fans: It's up to you, New York.  —  During an interview on WFAN yesterday, A-Rod opened the door for his departure from the Bronx at the end of the season …

Look at me, I can be ... center field  —  I stopped by Brewers camp on my way through the Cactus League last week and couldn't help but be impressed with emerging star Bill Hall.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Hall, it's because he came out of nowhere in 2006 …

Competition for rotation spots heats up  —  At least 10 candidates remain to fill final four slots  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals' starting pitching has been the main focus of Spring Training.  Right-hander John Patterson is the staff ace, but who follows him in the rotation is anybody's guess.

Schilling Shows He's Up To Speed  —  Hits 93 MPH To End Simulated Game  —  FORT MYERS, Fla — .  - Curt Schilling's Tuesday began at 6:30 a.m. It ended at 93 mph.  —  With Hamden's Jeff Natale in the batter's box in a near-empty City of Palms Park around 8:15 p.m., Schilling decided …

Podsednik planning to ease off throttle  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Leadoff batter Scott Podsednik will make his spring debut Wednesday in a B game against Colorado, a move that eventually could affect the makeup of the White Sox's Opening Day roster.  —  Podsednik's return comes one week ahead …

Oakland Athletics Baseball star Nick Swisher signs on as an entertainment industry foundation ambassador for Pantene Beautiful Lengths  —  Swisher pledges to grow, cut and donate his hair  —  LOS ANGELES — Oakland Athletics outfielder and first baseman, Nick Swisher, recently announced …