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.

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 …

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 …

A-Rod expects drug questions  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez expects to be questioned repeatedly about drug use as he approaches Barry Bonds' career home-run record.  —  “Right now, the game is in a very not-trusting situation with our public, with our fans,” A-Rod said Wednesday …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

The best at putting the pieces together  —  Dayn Perry is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com and author of the new book, “Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones” (Available now at Amazon.com).  —  Most often, it seems, fans and media following baseball focus on what the managers are doing.

Reyes vows to tone down act this season  —  Jose Reyes, second from right, told Newsday he may tone down celebrations like this one and focus more on baseball this year.  (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In addition to the Mets' championship dreams, a part of Jose Reyes died on that final weekend at Shea Stadium.