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.

The Oracle of the Phillies Has the Last Words  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — In its never-ending quest to mirror the American political landscape, baseball has found its answer to the latest Clinton-Obama hullabaloo.  —  A year ago, Jimmy Rollins proclaimed his Phillies “the team to beat” …

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.

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.

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.

Phillies 1B Howard wins arbitration  —  Phillies star first baseman will earn $10 million in '08  —  Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard has won his arbitration case and will receive a $10 million salary this season, SI.com has learned.  —  Philadelphia submitted a $7 million offer for the 2008 season …

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.

Crisp prefers trade if Red Sox don't start him in center field … FORT MYERS, Fla. — Coco Crisp said yesterday that he would rather be traded than lose the starting center-field job to Jacoby Ellsbury.  Eventually, he'll get his wish.  —  It's unlikely that Crisp will be dealt before the start of the regular season.

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.

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 …

Ominous spring?  Key reliever Fernando Rodney has pain in shoulder  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Right-hander Fernando Rodney, counted on for a crucial role in the Tigers' bullpen, has had pain in his throwing shoulder this week.  —  Is this ominous news for the regular season?

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 …

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.