D-backs acquire Petit from Marlins  —  Arizona ships right-handed reliever Julio, cash to Florida  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — The D-backs acquired prospect Yusmeiro Petit from the Marlins on Monday in exchange for reliever Jorge Julio and cash considerations.  —  Petit made his big-league debut …

Perfectionist Matsuzaka perfect fit in Boston  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - Adam Dunn couldn't wait to face Daisuke Matsuzaka.  —  "I just hope he's the best I've ever seen," the Reds' slugger said before Monday's exhibition game, half-sarcastically.  —  "I want to walk out of there saying …

Brewers acquire Dessens for Clark  —  Veteran right-hander to fill long relief role for Milwaukee  —  PHOENIX — The Brewers eased their outfield logjam and added a bullpen arm on Monday, trading Brady Clark, their Opening Day center fielder in each of the previous two seasons, to the Dodgers for right-handed veteran Elmer Dessens.

Padres to release Todd Walker, save $3 million  —  The Padres said they will release utility infielder Todd Walker on Tuesday, which will save the club close to $3 million in salary unless it loses a grievance to the players' union.  —  An arbitration panel last month set Walker's salary at $3.95 million …

Hall may miss season with torn labrum  —  Veteran was to be backup catcher for White Sox  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Toby Hall suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder diving for a ground ball while playing first base in the ninth inning of Sunday's Cactus League game against Texas …

Mota's teammates willing to forgive and forget  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Guillermo Mota was banned 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy, but the Mets hardly made him feel like an outsider yesterday when he showed up at camp for the first time.  He was universally embraced by his teammates …

Rockies' payroll stays low - for now  —  Modest increase, but maturing core will make it rise  —  PHOENIX - The Rockies are getting an early look at the cost of being good.  —  Colorado hasn't had a winning season since 2000 and has finished in fourth or fifth place in the National League West in each of the past nine seasons.

Campusano to undergo elbow surgery  —  Left-handed reliever will miss the 2007 season  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Tigers left-handed reliever Edward Campusano will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow on Tuesday, thus ending his 2007 season before it began.

Ticket Woes Mar Run-Up To Opener  —  Some Nats Fans Await Arrival of Season Passes  —  One week before the Washington Nationals open their third season in the District — their first full year under the new ownership group headed by Theodore Lerner — some of the club's most ardent fans …

Torrealba upbeat despite hurt ankle  —  Phoenix - More frightened than hurt, Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba managed to flash a smile after Monday's spring game against the Oakland A's.  —  "It's definitely scary to sprain your ankle," he said.  "I thought I broke it at first, because it really hurt.

Notes: No chance to start for Thomson  —  Right-hander will either be traded, released or reassigned  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — John Thomson's days in camp with the Blue Jays appear to be numbered.  The pitcher had a pain-free bullpen session on Monday, but that didn't stop Toronto from delivering some bad news.

Top Ten Baseball Blogs  —  As part of my day job, I do online analysis for sports teams, players, firms, all that good stuff.  One side product of the work is attempting to find out what sports blogs are the most influential.  Taking into account all kinds of different factors …

Mitre excels in audition for No. 5 spot  —  Throws five shutout frames, but gets little help as Marlins fall  —  CARDINALS 3, MARLINS 1  —  Marlins at the plate: Joe Borchard doubled in the second inning.  Dan Uggla, Alfredo Amezaga and Josh Willingham each singled, providing the only four hits off Adam Wainright.

Velocity helps, but location is important, too … I think Larry Dierker had the best explanation for my fastball.  He compared me to Nolan Ryan because of our big legs and strong wrists.  The wrists allow you to just reach out there and really get a lot of spin on the ball.  I think it's God-given.