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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Notes: Williams shows he belongs  —  Guzman, Lopez play together for first time; Church patient  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jerome Williams said that it was just another day at the ballpark on Saturday, but it was more than that for the Nationals' right-hander.  He needed to show that he still belonged in the rotation.

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.

Five general managers on the firing line  —  Spring: It's a time for hopes born anew, warmer weather, blooming flora, bounding fauna and all the rest.  —  In baseball, it's time to start thinking about what the forthcoming season will have to offer.  We'll have the pennant races and individual bestowals — those are good things.

Prospectus Q&A  —  Jeremy Bonderman  —  A first-round pick by Oakland in the 2001 draft, Jeremy Bonderman has been trying to prove Billy Beane wrong ever since.  So far, he's doing a pretty good job.  As readers of Moneyball are well aware, Beane was highly critical of his scouting director selecting …

Shaky status with at-bats ranks as old hat for Millar … FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // It was Derrek Lee during Kevin Millar 's four-year stint with the Florida Marlins, Doug Mientkiewicz and John Olerud in his three seasons as a member of the Boston Red Sox, and Javy Lopez and Jeff Conine in his first season as an Oriole.

Daniel quietly making name for himself  —  Nationals outfield prospect seen as organization's top hitter  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Nationals outfielder Mike Daniel doesn't get the publicity that Chris Marrero, Justin Maxwell and Esmailyn Gonzalez receive, but talk to Bob Boone …

McAnulty springing forward for Padres  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - Paul McAnulty is having one of those springs that typically leads to a major league job.  —  A pinch-hit single yesterday raised McAnulty's spring batting average to .344.  —  "And it's not just his hitting," Padres manager Buddy Black was saying yesterday morning.

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.

Santana could be part of Twins' exodus … FORT MYERS, Fla. — The great Johan Santana ignited a major stir in the Twins' universe the other day.  —  But not the way you'd think.  —  With his free-agent clock ticking (Payday Minus Two Seasons — And Counting), you'd think the only way Santana …