Opening spring pitching assignments; today's video  —  It was a busy day in Fort Myers, with Terry Francona, David Ortiz, and Mike Lowell holding press conferences, Coco Crisp talking about wanting to be an everyday player, and Manny Ramirez arriving on time, as he had said he would.

A-Rod spins the story a little too much  —  Ah, the wonderful world of Alex Rodriguez.  —  During his meeting with reporters today, the subject of PEDs came up and Rodriguez said he was tested nine or 10 times last season.  —  While that sounds good, that many tests would indicate a problem.

Minaya: Garcia just visiting  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets say they aren't interested in free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia after the ex-Phillies starter made a surprise visit to their camp today along with his agents.  —  Mets GM Omar Minaya told The Post that Garcia just showed up to talk …

RHP Chacon and Astros agree to $2M deal  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Pitcher Shawn Chacon and the Houston Astros agreed Wednesday to a $2 million, one-year contract.  —  The 30-year-old right-hander split time as a starter and reliever with Pittsburgh in 2007, going 5-4 with a 3.94 ERA and one save in 64 appearances.

Damon nearly walked away in '07  —  When Johnny Damon walked out of spring training early last year, he thought he was walking away from the game, SI.com has learned.  The Yankees explained Damon's absence early last spring as “personal reasons,” and there was a lot of wrong speculation …

Pirates reach agreement with pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates this morning reached agreement on a contract with free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim.  —  It is believed to be a major-league deal, though no other terms are known.  The San Francisco Giants …

Clemens out from ESPN The Weekend at Walt Disney World  —  Alluding to the steroids allegations controversy surrounding him as a likely distraction, superstar Major League Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens has bowed out of Walt Disney World's ESPN The Weekend festivities next week.

Cards talk to reps for Weaver, Colon  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals' January signing of free agent righthander Matt Clement to an incentive-laden, one-year contract was intended to address an innings shortage that torpedoed last season's starting rotation.

Nelson likes chances after strong 2007  —  Winter development program a success; Branyan inks deal  —  PHOENIX — For the first time in years, the 2007 version of Brad Nelson looked a bit like the guy who topped the Brewers' prospect chart back in 2002.  —  He purposely put back on the weight …

The times, they're a changing  —  Derek Jeter was asked today if he missed Joe Torre.  Pausing for a few beats before delivering an off-the cuff remark, Jeter said, “Yeah, I missed him ... when we were running.”  —  For Yankees pitchers who have been in camp all week …

Fogg on verge of deal with Reds  —  The representatives of right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg went into the offseason with expectations of a multi-year contract.  —  When spring training opened last week, however, Fogg was at home in Florida, and reality began to set in.

Valentín Wants Chance to Make a Difference  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The way Jerry Manuel remembers it, José Valentín had been a member of the Chicago White Sox for a little more than a month when, during a spring training meeting in February 2000, he got up from his chair and shared a few thoughts.

Teixeira's status is a big deal  —  Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Will he be a Brave beyond this season?  That's all anyone wants to know about slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira.  But it looks as if he's going to keep us guessing.  —  Tex rolled into training camp Tuesday and said he's …