Two Will Climb Ladder, but How High?  —  TAMPA, Fla. — In the first year of the new Yankee Stadium, its tenants won the World Series.  In its second, Alex Rodriguez could hit his 600th home run.  In its third, Derek Jeter should notch his 3,000th hit.  More milestones will follow …

PADRES NOTES: Gonzalez expects big bucks for next contract  —  “Hometown discount” doesn't appear to be a phrase in Adrian Gonzalez's vocabulary.  After sacrificing dollars for security with his last contract three years ago, the Padres first baseman appears unlikely to devalue his skill set when he next enters into negotiations.

Nats president shares optimism about direction of club  —  Nationals president Stan Kasten has good reason to be upbeat these days.  The club improved its roster this past offseason by signing free agents Matt Capps, Jason Marquis and Ivan Rodriguez, while trading for reliever Brian Bruney.

Rehabbing Reyes re-added to roster  —  Move keeps right-hander from opting out of Minors deal  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians think enough of Anthony Reyes and his recovery from Tommy John surgery to pay him Major League money this season.  —  Reyes, who was removed from the 40-man roster …

Sox's Guillen amazed by Twitter reaction  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — Blindsided by all the media hoopla, manager Ozzie Guillen said Wednesday he plans to keep his Twitter account while vowing not to talk about the White Sox.  —  “Let me start with this,” Guillen said during his 14-minute post-practice session.

Mets' Francoeur says he'll hit 27 home runs this season  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Jeff Francoeur is baseball's 5-hour Energy drink.  And when he's swinging the bat well he's the perfect pick-me-up for the Mets.  —  “He's the definition of an optimist,” David Wright said yesterday on the eve …

Season may dictate future for Astros' Berkman  —  Astros first baseman trying to bounce back from injury, slumps  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The 2010 season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Astros first baseman Lance Berkman in more ways than one.  —  And no one knows that better than Berkman.

Cleveland Indians sign Russell Branyan; he'll start at first base (with video) … GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians have a new first baseman.  He's part of their past and part of their present.  Introducing Russell Branyan.  —  Branyan's one-year, $2 million deal became official Wednesday after he passed a physical Tuesday.

The View From My Office  —  So I've been looking forward to writing this post for a few weeks now.  Yes, that picture on the right is the view from my office window.  —  On February 1st, I started my new job as the Director of Broadcasting & Communications for the Savannah Sand Gnats.

D-backs hope to lock up Montero  —  Kendrick open to long-term deal with talented catcher  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Add catcher Miguel Montero's name to the list of players the D-backs are interested in signing to a multiyear contract.  —  The club is currently negotiating with third baseman Mark Reynolds …

Fame finds Dodgers' Matt Kemp  —  Everyday center fielder has made off-season headlines with his friendship with singer Rihanna, but he says extra attention won't affect his work or goals  —  Reporting from Phoenix - Many interviews early in spring training start the same way: How was your winter?

Feel The Glove … It was just another ball game in early April, played in front of a sparse and sleepy Thursday afternoon crowd in Minneapolis.  But for those watching and paying attention, it was a glimpse into the future.  In the bottom of the first inning of a game between the Twins and the Mariners …

Miller deserves to be in Hall  —  Despite acrimony, groundwork for current peace was laid  —  I remember the first strike: March 31, 1972.  I was covering my first Spring Training for The Boston Globe, and Bud Collins and I were at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. …

Granderson preparing for Roll Call  —  Curtis Granderson needs to chase some fly balls in the outfield and he needs to take some swings during batting practice, but moving from Detroit to New York requires one other bit of preseason preparation: He has to decide how to address the Bleacher Creatures during Roll Call.