Pelfrey delivers  —  Phenom takes latest step to earning spot  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Mike Pelfrey intended to spend Monday's off-day in Key Largo, but unimpressed with the view, he continued to Key West.  "It didn't look very nice, so we just kept driving an extra 70, 80 miles, whatever," Pelfrey said.

Howard taking swing at producing powerful sequel  —  Clearwater, Fla. - The birthplace of Hooters remains overshadowed by homers.  This is the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard, the reigning National League MVP.  Ice pack on his sore left quad, smile on his face …

Manny being un-Manny: Opens up says he's 'going to be fine here'  —  FORT MYERS - Life must be pretty good in Manny World.  Not only is he back to his goofy exploits, selling a gas grill on eBay, but he was so loose yesterday that he decided to chat on the record.  —  That's right, Manny talked.

Playing time no idle chatter for White Sox  —  Guillen worries that Mackowiak will get rusty in early going  —  PHOENIX — Ozzie Guillen will face a tough task finding playing time for Rob Mackowiak during the first two weeks of the regular season.  The White Sox have three off days ... and a crowded outfield.

Rotation insurance quite pleasing  —  Rookie Jimenez, Lawrence making good impressions  —  TUCSON - Brian Lawrence and Ubaldo Jimenez most likely will claim a spot in the Rockies rotation this season.  It just isn't likely to happen for either by Opening Day.

MLB to look into iN Demand's 'Extra Innings' offer  —  NEW YORK — Baseball's "Extra Innings" package of out-of-market games might wind up staying on cable television.  —  IN Demand said Wednesday it will offer to match the terms of DirecTV's $700 million, seven-year deal with Major League Baseball …

Cubs to start with Floyd on bench  —  While Achilles' heals, Murton will start year in left  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Cliff Floyd will be coming off the bench to start the season, a move the Cubs hope will give him more time to heal his surgically repaired left Achilles'.

Reds release RHP Paul Wilson  —  SARASOTA, FLORIDA (TICKER) — Attempting a comeback from rotator cuff surgery, righthander Paul Wilson was released by the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.  —  Wilson, 33, struggled in five spring training appearances, allowing 12 earned runs and 22 hits in 13 1/3 innings.

Nats' Bullpen Could Be Working OT  —  Acta Formulating Plan to Spell His Starting Pitchers  —  John Patterson is unquestionably the Washington Nationals' top starting pitcher, and yet in 58 starts since arriving in a trade prior to the 2004 season, he has averaged less than six innings an outing.

Hot A-Rod to Angels Trade Info  —  The LA Times and Riverside Press Enterprise are both reporting that Jered Weaver will start the season on the disabled list, but it will be a short stay.  —  Weaver is penciled in for his turn in the rotation on April 12.  His April 6th start will be taken by Dustin Moseley.

The Riddle  —  With an array of pitches as sublime and mesmerizing as haiku, $100 million import Daisuke Matsuzaka could tip the American League balance of power to the Red Sox — and explode the old myths about pampering pitchers  —  The cherubic face of Daisuke Matsuzaka bears a mysterious contentment …

State of the Systems, NL Central  —  This year's State Of The Systems features some new categories, so before we get going, some of the sections require a little bit of explanation.  — 2007 Rookies: Simple enough—what first-year players will contribute in the big leagues this year.

The spring competition goes on  —  WASHINGTON - Spring training is about competition for jobs.  That's especially true for us.  —  Whomever wins the starting positions for the Nationals at first base, left field, center field and in the rotation will face strong competition all season.

Notes: Benitez, Julio eyed in deal  —  Marlins trying to land veteran reliver before Opening Day  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Pursuing trade options for a closer remains a real possibility for the Marlins.  —  Sources continue to say the team has interest in veterans Armando Benitez and Jorge Julio.

Mariners Notebook: Burke may just work in reserve  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Catcher Larry Burke is scheduled to start for the Mariners today at Hi Corbett Field against the Colorado Rockies.  —  Burke has not yet secured an Opening Day roster spot.  —  The favorite to back up starting catcher …