Rays ponder Bonds pursuit … ST. PETERSBURG - There has been no formal offer, actual wooing or even public displays of affection.  But the Rays seem to have at least an eye on Barry Bonds, and team officials have recently talked internally about the all-time home run king who has been at the center of the steroids controversy.

Pettitte and Hughes throw some BP  —  Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes threw live BP today on the main field.  It was very interesting to watch.  —  Pettitte is working on a slide step, something he has never used in the past, to hold runners closer.  —  Why would a lefty with a great pickoff move need a slide step?

Hank Steinbrenner to talk contract with Cashman  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Hank Steinbrenner sounded very much like someone enamored with his general manager as he talked about Brian Cashman's future Monday afternoon.  —  The Yankees senior vice president said he will talk with Cashman about his contract, which expires after the season.

Congress May Single Out Clemens  —  A Congressional committee has taken the first steps toward asking the Department of Justice to launch a criminal investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury during testimony about his use of performance-enhancing drugs, according to three lawyers familiar with the matter.

Theo on Bartolo  —  Here's what Theo Epstein had to say on the signing of Bartolo Colon, which was made official today:  —  “Well, signing Colon to a minor league deal, we think, is a no risk potential high reward signing.  He's on a minor league contract, going to show up here at camp tomorrow …

Mailbag: Who else will be a leader?  —  Mets beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions  —  I love that Carlos Beltran is “stepping into a leadership role” by stating the Mets are the team to beat this year.  A void existed, I think, and with the subtraction of certain players …

Jeter, Yankees getting testy  —  TAMPA - Major League Baseball has taken steps to beef up its drug-testing policy, but according to several prominent Yankees, including captain Derek Jeter, the sport's image will never heal completely until players are tested for all drugs - most notably human growth hormone.

DeRosa in Chicago for heart tests; surgery next?  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa has left spring training in Arizona to undergo further tests on his heart at a Chicago hospital.  —  DeRosa — who turns 33 on Tuesday — was hospitalized over the weekend after complaining …

One lineup question answered  —  One of the few mysteries for Tigers fans to debate this spring is the batting order.  The players that will comprise that lineup have long been identified, but their positioning has a few questions.  One of those was answered today with the announcement that Ivan Rodriguez will bat 8th.

Giants Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Two-Star Prospects  —  Just Missing: Wilber Bucardo, RHP; Manny Burriss, SS; Eugenio Velez, UT  —  Acquired: NDFA, 2006, Dominican Republic  —  2007 Stats: .285/.344/.450 at Rookie-level (52 G); .167/.231/.167 at Short-season (5 G)

Elijah Dukes Tees Off  —  Around 7 p.m. on Friday night, Washingtonpost.com master videographer Jon Forsythe, in Viera for Spring Training, went to a local driving range to blow off some steam, or whatever one does at a driving range.  And who should he spot in a nearby stall …

O's add Klentak to front office position  —  MacPhail hires 27-year-old as director of baseball operations  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Seeking to add a young mind and a fresh perspective to the Orioles' front office, Andy MacPhail announced today that he has hired Matt Klentak as director of baseball operations.

Young Guns: NL East  —  After breaking down the American League for the past three weeks, we now head into the National League to see what rookies may have significant impacts in the majors in 2008.  Unfortunately, the NL East looks less than inspiring, although there are a few interesting names.

MELANCON THE NEXT JOBA?  —  Attention shifted from the main diamond at Legends Field in mid-afternoon yesterday.  Alex Rodriguez had begun signing autographs down the right-field line and the roughly 200 fans who had stuck out an entire workout on a hot, sunny afternoon either raced to the area or focused upon it.