STUPID STUPID STUPID  —  [March 18th] — Oh brother.  —  The Nationals announced on Sunday that, "oh by the way, we've given up on Larry Broadway yet again and will go with one of two grizzled vets - perhaps both - at first base this year."  —  Were the Nationals fighting for a playoff spot in 2007 …

Notes: Guzman tweaks delivery  —  Change in mound position may help right-hander make Cubs  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Angel Guzman may need to simply move to his right to be more effective.  —  During a side session on Sunday, the Cubs right-hander was moved to the right side of the rubber …

Notes: Hendrickson clears waivers  —  Brewers considering trade options for embattled right-hander  —  PHOENIX — Brewers right-hander Ben Hendrickson, the onetime top pitching prospect who has struggled to jump to the Majors, cleared waivers on Sunday and was sent outright to Triple-A Nashville.

Around the horn: Griffey to start in right  —  Items from around the majors:  — When the Reds' Ken Griffey Jr. makes his Grapefruit League debut, it will be in right field, according to a source with knowledge of his situation.  Griffey, recovering from a broken left hand …

Pettitte shines, but Yankees fall  —  Left-hander tosses five scoreless frames against Phils  —  PHILLIES 3, YANKEES 2  —  Yankees at the plate: Miguel Cairo drove in New York's first run with a two-out single in the second inning.  The run was set up by a Chase Utley error on a fielder's choice grounder.

Sox need bullpen help, but won't land Lidge  —  If the Red Sox think they can obtain closer Brad Lidge or any of the Astros' other principal relievers, they should think again.  —  "I was asked about Lidge the other day by a Boston scout," Astros general manager Tim Purpura told FOXSports.com on Sunday.

Erstad to bat 2nd against righties  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — In a move that paves the way for Tadahito Iguchi to drop down in the batting order, manager Ozzie Guillen said Sunday he plans to bat Darin Erstad second against right-handed starters.  —  "[Scott Podsednik] is a better leadoff guy …

M's need Ichiro more than ever  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — As chief executive officer, Chuck Armstrong admits to "choking a little bit" when considering the club-record $111 million payroll with which the Mariners are likely to start the season.  —  Fans can identify with Armstrong's gag reflex.

Mariners catcher struggles with new throwing motion  —  MARYVALE, Ariz. — The shaky defense from Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima is getting alarming, at least in some areas.  —  "I can see where people would look at the numbers and shake their heads about Joh," bench coach John McLaren said Sunday afternoon.

Notes: Colon sees a 'good sign'  —  First action against hitters this spring; Lackey is dominant  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — For Bartolo Colon, throwing fastballs against hitters on Sunday for the first time in eight months took him back to his humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic.

Zambrano optimistic about contract  —  Opening Day starter 'close' to signing long-term deal with Cubs  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Carlos Zambrano kicked the mound when Cubs manager Lou Piniella came out in the sixth inning on Sunday to pull him from the game.  Yes, it's only Spring Training, but Zambrano wanted to go the distance.

Enough with the baby steps: Seattle to let loose Hernandez  —  Miller: Five things to know  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Psst, pay attention here.  Because something is about to occur in the quiet Pacific Northwest that could — could — positively rock the baseball world this summer, shake the AL West and rattle the Cy Young cages.

Bloomquist blooming in the desert  —  Mariners 'super-sub' combines a hot bat, versatile glove  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — The starting lineups for the Mariners' next three Cactus League games were posted on a clubhouse bulletin board on Saturday morning, and the team's hottest hitter was listed on every one of them.

Notes: Hermida gets treatment on knee  —  Right fielder recovering after fouling ball off right kneecap  —  VIERA, Fla. — After taking a foul ball off his right kneecap Saturday afternoon, Jeremy Hermida remained in Jupiter on Sunday for treatment.  —  The Marlins' 23-year-old right fielder …

Francis' purpose pitch shows Rockies can play rough, too  —  Tucson - The knee-jerk reaction to Jeff Francis' five-game suspension is easy.  He shouldn't have thrown at Kevin Kouzmanoff.  It made no sense for the Rockies to retaliate Tuesday when it could cost them a late April win because of Francis' absence.