Sosa wins spot on Rangers roster  —  GM says slugger will be with Texas on Opening Day  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — First, Sammy Sosa smiled mischieviously as he started to get dressed in the visiting clubhouse at Tucson Electric Park.  —  Then he put his hands together and looked angelically toward heaven.

'Little strain' sidelines Wood  —  With Prior struggling, it seems like typical spring for Cubs  —  MESA, Ariz. — The days of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior dominating the talk of a Cubs spring training were supposed to be over, but there were the former co-aces of the pitching staff Thursday standing …

Marlins still in market for closer  —  KISSIMMEE — Manager Fredi Gonzalez wouldn't mind finding out if the Marlins can produce the next Jonathan Papelbon, who emerged as a rookie last season to be Boston's bullpen ace.  But with two weeks left in camp, Florida's front office still is trying …

Beckett effective in loss to Mets  —  Righty fans six, walks none, but offense held to one run  —  METS, 4, RED SOX 1  —  Red Sox at the plate: Boston had two singles and a double and struck out nine times in five innings against Oliver Perez.  Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Josh Beckett struck out twice each.

Former MLB commissioner Kuhn dies at 80  —  PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, who lorded over baseball during 15 tumultuous years that saw players gain free agency and start the spiral of multimillion-dollar salaries, died Thursday.  He was 80.

Epstein not in a hurry  —  GM feels Red Sox have time to assess  —  GM Theo Epstein likes what he sees from the Sox this spring.  (CHARLES KRUPA/ASSOCIATED PRESS)  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein figures that sometime next week teams will begin to assess …

Items from around Florida and Arizona ...  Around the horn at spring training:  — The Cardinals' starting pitching has been a pleasant surprise; right-handers Kip Wells, Braden Looper and Adam Wainwright have combined to allow three runs in 352/3 innings.

60 seconds with Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo  —  Staff writer Joe Capozzi spoke with Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo, who finger-fishes.  —  Tell me about finger-fishing.  —  In the Dominican, we fish like that, with the line tied around your finger.  —  Just go to Wal-Mart and buy a fishing rod.

Phillies Notes |  Manuel yet to pick opening-day starter  —  Phillies Notes  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Charlie Manuel said last week that he probably would know his Opening Day starter by yesterday.  —  Yesterday came and went without an announcement.  —  The choice is between righthanders Brett Myers and Freddy Garcia.

CUBS 9, MARINERS (ss) 3  —  Mariners at the plate: Wladimir Balentien hit an RBI single in the second.  Michael Garciaparra also singled and scored on a throwing error by shortstop Cesar Izturis that inning.  —  Cubs at the plate: Cliff Floyd and Aramis Ramirez both homered.

Talented Tabata a work in progress  —  Sky is the limit for gifted 18-year-old Yankees outfield prospect  —  TAMPA, Fla. — At first glance, Jose Tabata blended in with the roughly 11 dozen Minor Leaguers roaming the back fields on Himes Avenue, jogging across diamonds carrying their gloves, bats and big-league dreams.

Finley showing Rockies he still can play … PEORIA, Ariz. — Steve Finley's upper right arm bears a small tattoo of an infinity symbol — an adornment he shares with his wife, Amy, as a sign of mutual commitment.  The Finleys have stayed together through 15 years of marriage and five children, so something must be working.

Halfway to opener, Herges makes move  —  Surprise, Ariz. - As the Rockies reached the halfway point of their Cactus League schedule Wednesday, they are a long way toward finalizing their roster.  —  While 15 games remain, this mile marker represents a legitimate point of evaluation.