Walker could be a keeper  —  The versatile infielder should stick with the club following Durazo's release  —  SAN FRANCISCO — It was far from an ordinary week for Todd Walker.  —  After spending nearly all of spring with the San Diego Padres, Walker was caught by surprise on Monday when the team released him.

Brewers pay price for success  —  Attanasio ups ante in 2007  —  Arlington, Texas - There's an old saying in baseball regarding team payrolls: Spending money doesn't guarantee you're going to win, but not spending it almost guarantees you're going to lose.

'Roid regret  —  Two-time MVP Murphy: I should have spoken up about juice when I played  —  Dale Murphy remembers sitting in front of a television screen, staring.  There were Jose Canseco and the other beefy sluggers on the 1980s Oakland Athletics, slamming home runs and then bashing their ripped forearms in celebration.

Quiet Man, … FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // You know his swing, so short, sweet and powerful that it prompted one baseball lifer to say that Nick Markakis could become one of the Orioles' best hitters ever.  —  But everything else about Markakis is hidden.  He gives few clues to teammates …

Mouse Takes Fans Far Beyond Crumbs  —  The Red Sox addicts wake up with a craving and stumble to their computer.  —  They will surf from one website to another, from stories in newspapers to blogs composed by equally obsessed and informed fans.  Then there's also a mandatory stop on Curt Schilling's blog before they head to work.

To Tighten Drug Tests, Baseball Teams Secretly Monitor Players  —  When the Yankees' pitchers and catchers arrived for spring training in mid-February, they saw signs taped up in the clubhouse bathroom reminding them that they would be tested for drugs.  They knew the drill …

Pirates Notebook: Eldred completes big leap  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Big Country made the big team.  —  Despite missing most of last season to injury, despite having to impress at a position he previously had played in college …

Notes: Hammock back in the bigs  —  Catcher named to Opening Day roster after fighting injury  —  PHOENIX — At the end of Spring Training, there is always a feel-good story or two as teams set their final rosters.  —  This is one of them.  —  Manager Bob Melvin informed catcher Robby Hammock …

Norton on DL, will undergo knee surgery  —  Rays IF/OF expected to miss four to six weeks after procedure  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Greg Norton was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday after it was discovered he needs to have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Marquis, Soriano shine in spring finale  —  Righty allows one run in four frames; slugger scores lone run  —  MARINERS 2, CUBS 1  —  Mariners at the plate: Gookie Dawkins went 2-for-3 with a sixth-inning RBI double that drove in Adam Jones and put the Mariners ahead.

Notes: Feliciano feeling confident  —  Delgado seeking improvement; Zimmer remembers first camp  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pedro Feliciano smiled when an unfamiliar reporter complimented the left-hander on his success out of the Mets bullpen this spring.  —  "I worked hard in the offseason …

Orioles Make Final Cut  —  The Baltimore Orioles' 25-man Opening Day roster, which will be announced Sunday, will include one big surprise.  Left-handed reliever Brian Burres has made the team, while reliever Todd Williams cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk, according to one baseball source.

Towers named Jays' No. 5 starter  —  Zambrano to pitch out of bullpen; Thomson placed on DL  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Blue Jays announced Saturday that Josh Towers will be the No. 5 starter, with Victor Zambrano moving to the bullpen.  —  "I'm definitely happy," said Towers …

Rays keep Gomes, send Cantu down  —  Former starting second baseman asks for trade after demotion  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Jonny Gomes is on the team, Jorge Cantu is not.  —  That's how it went down early Saturday morning when the Devil Rays pared down their roster to 25.