Jonathan Papelbon pops off on Manny Ramirez  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  FORT MYERS - Jonathan Papelbon [stats] minced few words about the dark, final days of Manny Ramirez [stats]' tenure with the Red Sox [team stats] in an interview in the April issue of Esquire magazine.

Los Angeles Dodgers are curious about Pedro Martinez  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — The New York Mets don't have any interest in bringing back Pedro Martinez.  But another one of Martinez's former employers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, could emerge as a candidate to rescue him from unemployment.

Perez out at least three months  —  Update 10:32 An obviously disappointed OF Fernando Perez, out at least three months with a dislocated left wrist, tried to take the setback in stride, but said he learned a valuable lesson in the process.  —  Perez said he knew instantly …

Rivera faces hitters, says he “feels great”  —  LAKELAND, Fla. - Mariano Rivera faced hitters for the first time yesterday since his October surgery on the AC joint of his right shoulder.  —  Rivera said, “Everything feels great,” and he is closing in on his first game action.

Mets like Pudge, but don't have room  —  Assistant GM Bernazard says Rodriguez blocked by two other catchers  —  The Mets have interest in free agent Ivan Rodriguez but don't have a place for him because they have two other catchers, Mets assistant general manager Tony Bernazard told a Puerto Rican newspaper.

Phils weighing several bench options  —  Club may opt to keep three lefties or add righties to reserve mix  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel swears he hasn't started to think about how his bench might look Opening Day.  —  He said there is plenty of time for that.

Joba among 20 to sign one-year deals  —  Yanks reach agreement with all of their non-arbitration players  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain was among a group of 20 Yankees players who inked contracts for the 2009 season, signing a split deal that would pay him $432,575 if he spends the entire season in the Major Leagues.

Volstad leaves after taking line drive  —  Marlins right-hander doesn't expect to miss his next start  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Marlins starter Chris Volstad was rolling along through this third Spring Training start against the Cardinals on Wednesday.  —  Then the fifth inning started.

Mark McGwire Surfaces and Talks About Helping Hitters  —  The voice on the other end of line, as enthused as a rookie's after the first day of spring training, belonged to Mark McGwire.  He was calling from California on Thursday to talk about his rebirth as a hitting instructor.

Amezaga out four to six weeks  —  Tests on Marlins utility man reveal sprained left knee  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Of all the players on the Marlins, Alfredo Amezaga was probably the last guy the organization wanted to see suffer an injury.  —  “He's like three guys,” manager Fredi Gonzalez …

Who Said There Was More Leg Room At The New Yankee Stadium?  —  We recently posted photos illustrating the much-improved leg room for the seats in the Grandstand at the New Yankee Stadium.  Unfortunately the same cannot be said about these multi-year commitment, $500 per ticket seats down the first base line:

Zambrano gets Cubs Opening Day start; Marmol back  —  MESA, Ariz.- Manager Lou Piniella named Carlos Zambrano as his Opening Day starter on Thursday, giving Big Z his fifth straight opening assignment.  —  How did Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild decide on Zambrano over Ryan Dempster?

Troy Percival to begin measuring his readiness as Tampa Bay Rays closer  —  Troy Percival, fist-bumping catcher Dioner Navarro earlier this spring, is slated to pitch today.  Percival was shut down and missed the postseason after three trips to the disabled list and had surgery on his back.