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.

Pirates, Kim agree to $850,000 deal  —  Pitcher due to arrive in Bradenton today for physical  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates' contract with free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim, a one-year, major-league deal with base pay of $850,000 and up to $1 million in performance bonuses, will be completed if he passes a physical today.

Notes: Counsell knows his role  —  Cameron rests hamstring; Yost mulling Fielder-Braun lineup  —  PHOENIX — On one hand, Brewers veteran Craig Counsell wants to play.  But if he does play extensively in 2008, it means something has gone terribly wrong for the team.

Rollins says not so fast to Mets  —  Beltran's claim one of several topics on shortstop's mind  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Jimmy Rollins' state of the Phillies address has graduated into an annual tradition.  —  Such was the case on Wednesday, when the reigning National League MVP discussed …

Astros sign versatile free agent Chacon  —  Righty starter/reliever inked to one-year, $2 million deal  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Houston Astros signed right-hander Shawn Chacon to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives, general manager Ed Wade announced on Wednesday.

Notes: Hitters show patience in live BP  —  Fukudome impresses Lee; Cubs hope for more from power trio  —  MESA, Ariz. — Wednesday was the first day Cubs hitters faced live pitching as opposed to having coaches throw batting practice, and the majority of them took more pitches than they swung at.

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 …

Crisp might ask for trade if he doesn't win CF job  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Coco Crisp, who lost his center-field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said Wednesday he'd probably talk to the Boston Red Sox about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.

COMPUTER CRASH  —  CAPTAIN SHAKES OFF MEAN MACHINE'S SILLY STUDY  —  Derek Jeter arrived at his 16th Yankees spring training yesterday labeled the worst shortstop in the majors by some statistical braniacs over at Penn.  —  “Maybe it was a computer glitch,” the three-time Gold Glove winner said of the report.

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.

Lucchino won't bite on Steinbrenners' bait … FORT MYERS - Larry Lucchino hadn't read the most recent comments from Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, but that didn't mean he wasn't aware of them.  The Red Sox [team stats] president is no stranger to the fact that very little about the sons of George …

Padres whetting their appetites for exhibition trip to China  —  PEORIA, Ariz. (AP)—Passports and visas are just as necessary as bats and balls this spring training for the San Diego Padres—not to mention an appreciation for Chinese food.  —  The Padres are starting to piece together …

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.

How not to request autographs  —  John Maine has a tip for people seeking autographs via the mail.  Well, at least I have a tip, after observing Maine sign autographs by his locker after his workout today.  —  No. 1: Players see through the form-letter stuff.