Bowden: Left Field Race Is Still Open  —  Less than two weeks after Washington Nationals Manager Manny Acta declared Ryan Church would be the starting left fielder even if he went " for the rest of . . . spring training," General Manager Jim Bowden declared the left field situation …

O's Angelos Dishes on All Things Baseball  —  When first approached by reporters, Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, a rare sight at spring training these days, politely said he would not speak.  —  But 15 minutes later, at the end of a wide-ranging interview with reporters …

2007 Projected Division Standings  —  Thanks to the extremely hard work of the contributors at this site, The Hardball Times keeps on getting better.  No doubt by now you have flicked through our latest offering: The 2007 Preseason Annual.  There is no excuse not to own a copy …

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.

Wells has new ailment: diabetes  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - David Wells' life changed two weeks ago when he learned he has Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes.  —  "Obviously, this is a concern," the Padres' 43-year-old pitcher said yesterday.  "But it's beatable.  And I'm going to beat it.

Sore knee adds to Hermida's misery  —  MELBOURNE — Right fielder Jeremy Hermida's efforts to work out of a spring slump were put on hold Sunday when he was scratched from the lineup because of a sore right knee.  —  Hermida fouled a pitch square off his right kneecap in his last at-bat Saturday.

Guzman's role on Cubs: Long relief  —  Move would leave Miller as 5th starter and Prior in limbo  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — As the new-look Cubs roster comes into focus, there is one old-time possibility: The season could begin with Mark Prior and Kerry Wood left behind in Arizona working their arms back into shape.

Sox missing idiot: Team lacking Millar's levity  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A familiar scene played out at the ballpark before yesterday's game between the Red Sox [team stats] and Orioles - one that was reminiscent of an unforgettable time not so long ago.  —  There was an idiot at center stage.

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.

Gorzelanny gives up beer ... and also is giving up runs  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Gorzelanny decided a few weeks ago to give up beer and soda for Lent.  —  What he didn't decide to do was give up runs during Lent.  —  "I'd rather give up beer than runs," he said.

60 seconds with Stan Kasten, the president of the Washington Nationals  —  Joe Capozzi spoke with Stan Kasten, the president of the Washington Nationals.  —  The Marlins and Nationals will play the last home opener at RFK Stadium on April 2.  Will President Bush throw out the first pitch?

Sox' Schilling sharpens skills  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — With the rest of the team across the state in Fort Lauderdale, Curt Schilling walked to the mound on Field 3, the last field on the left at the Red Sox' player development complex.  It was typical for the pitcher, avoiding a divisional opponent …

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.

Holliday measuring up  —  His 440-foot blast provides highlight in loss to Rangers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The ball soared over the fence in straightaway center field, bounced at the very top of a grass hill and disappeared behind a row of small bushes in front of the batter's eye.

Velocity rarely fast track to top  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Watch Ambiorix Burgos' eyes light up like the red digits on a radar gun when asked about his fastest pitch.  "Last year, 103 [mph].  Three or four times," the Mets' 22-year-old reliever said.  —  Watch pitching coach Rick Peterson grimace at the same question.

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 …