A-Rod needs to shut up and play  —  Two years ago, I concluded an article about Alex Rodriguez by quoting an American League general manager as saying, "He should let his game do the talking."  —  Truer words were never spoken.  —  Rodriguez is talking himself out of New York …

Rose admits to betting on Reds every night  —  Pete Rose revealed Wednesday that he bet on the Reds "every night" while he was manager of the team and that the Dowd Report was correct when it said he did so.  —  Rose spoke Wednesday with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann on ESPN Radio to discuss …

Prior's number appears to be up  —  Miller, Guzman likely battling for last spot in Cubs' rotation  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — A wide-open derby for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation now appears to be a two-man race between veteran Wade Miller and youngster Angel Guzman after two key decisions …

No common cents  —  Penny-pinching Rays a lost cause  —  ST. PETERSBURG - It is 9 a.m. and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have just hit the field for the morning workout before their spring training game with the Philadelphia Phillies.  But instead of trotting out to their positions or lining …

Trade may settle back of rotation  —  Tucson - Competition between pitchers Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim for the fifth spot in the Rockies' rotation could be settled by a trade.  —  The Rockies have made it known in recent conversations with teams that Kim is available.

Statement from Gary Matthews Jr.  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Gary Matthews Jr. released the following statement Wednesday morning:  —  At the outset of spring training, my name was linked in the press with reports involving an investigation of unlawful trafficking in Human Growth hormone dating back to 2004.

Benitez draws Mariners' interest  —  Reliever Armando Benitez, who is reportedly available in a trade from San Francisco. drew a huge crowd of scouts when he pitched for the Giants Tuesday night against Oakland.  —  Two of the estimated 40 scouts on hand — night games always draw lots of scouts …

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.

Dodgers release Tatis, make Billingsley reliever  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Los Angeles Dodgers released third baseman Fernando Tatis on Wednesday — three days after he failed to report to their minor league camp.  —  The Dodgers reassigned Tatis on Sunday in the club's first round of roster cuts.

Interview with Mets Prospect Ritchie Price  —  Ritchie Price was drafted by the 18th round for the New York Mets in 2006 out of the University of Kansas.  Ritchie, who played with his brother on the team which was coached by his father, led the Jayhawks to the Big XII tournament win last season.

Return of the slider  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - He's been moved across the pitching rubber.  He's been slid over about two feet, from the third-base side to the first-base side, when he starts his delivery.  —  Believe it or not, that subtle change might turn Craig Hansen into the reliever …

Five Questions: Texas Rangers  —  I've never been good at intros (or conclusions), and this piece is long enough, so I'll spare you any big lead-up, other than to say that Ian Kinsler (whom I mention just once, in passing) is going to be a star, real soon.  Remember, you heard it here first.

B Game?  Q&A IV  —  After a long day of travel to Philly and back (flight left at 6:30am and we returned around 4PM) I felt good on the mound.  I'd like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr Henry who flew us up and back on his plane today, something he did not have to do but did anyway.

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 …