Angelos the answer man … FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // Orioles owner Peter Angelos emerged from the club's spring training offices moments before yesterday's exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox and told a group of waiting reporters that he was there to watch a game and not to make statements.

Floyd goes to bat defending his defense  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — With Lou Piniella's emphasis on fielding in Cubs camp, left fielder Cliff Floyd can only think: Don't forget about me.  —  Thought to be the weak link in the outfield defense, especially as he recovers from off-season left heel surgery …

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.

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.

No more baby steps: Seattle to let loose Hernandez  —  "He's stupid young," Bavasi says.  "It's ridiculous.  That is so forgotten because he's as big as a house, he's sure of himself and he's never done anything wrong.  —  "People look at him like Bob Gibson.  But he was a child last year."

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 …

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 …

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.

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?

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.

Charles Einstein, Editor of Baseball Tomes, Dies at 80  —  Charles Einstein, a sportswriter and author who edited a prominent baseball anthology and chronicled the career of Willie Mays, died March 7 in Michigan City, Ind. He was 80.  —  His death was announced by his son David.

Rangers' starter race tightens up  —  Competition for No. 5 spot whittled down to Chen, Wright and Loe  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen threw three scoreless innings for the Rangers in Sunday's 12-8 win over Colorado.

Mets strive to improve outfield defense  —  Alou, Beltran, Green work with Manuel on all aspects of game  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The travel chart affixed to the bulletin board in the Mets' clubhouse had check marks next to the names of Moises Alou, Carlos Beltran, Endy Chavez, Shawn Green, Ben Johnson and Lastings Milledge.

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.