Red Sox Still In On Ruiz  —  Earlier this week, the Blue Jays appeared to be taking the lead in the race to sign Cuban first base prospect Jose Julio Ruiz.  But don't count out the Red Sox yet, says ESPN's Jorge Arangure, Jr. in a recent blog post.  —  Arangure cites a “source knowledgeable …

Spring rotation announced, Gaudin gets opener  —  In Joe Girardi's spring training office, one wall is covered by a massive dry-erase board configured into a calendar.  It's been fairly blank since camp opened, but this afternoon is was covered with players initials, outlining the Yankees rotation …

Feds interview New York Mets' Jose Reyes about link to Tiger Woods doctor Anthony Galea  —  Federal agents have interviewed Mets shortstop Jose Reyes about his association with a Canadian doctor who is under investigation for drug violations, including conspiring to smuggle human growth hormone …

St. Louis Cardinals close to signing Felipe Lopez  —  • The St. Louis Cardinals are close to agreement with free agent utility player Felipe Lopez on a one-year contract that would offer infield depth and add a much-needed lefthanded bat, sources close to negotiations confirmed Friday.

O's Scott takes issue with MLB gun ban  —  He says rule punishes all for poor choices by some  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - - Orioles designated hitter Luke Scott understands the purpose behind Major League Baseball's recent directive prohibiting guns and other deadly weapons from clubhouses, and said he'll abide by it.

Johnson adjusting to life as Yanks' DH  —  Consistent health hopefully one of the benefits of new duties  —  TAMPA, Fla. — When your most important job assignment is getting into the batter's box, there can be a lot of down time.  That's something that Nick Johnson is trying to get used to.

Halladay will start Thursday vs. Yankees  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — It's a slow day on the fields.  With a steady rain falling, the Phillies were limited to some batting practice in the cages in the tunnel.  But after the shortened workout, pitching coach Rich Dubee provided a glimpse …

White Sox camp tour: Peavy fitting in, making own pitch  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — It's hard to believe now that Jake Peavy once turned down a chance to come to the White Sox.  —  Hard to believe that he vetoed the first proposed deal that would have made it happen, just nine months ago.

Music connects Trucks family  —  Former Tigers great, kin share love of the game  —  Virgil Trucks had just turned 91 two years ago when this boyish kid who looked as if he were 20 showed up at his door.  The kid introduced himself as Derek Trucks, Virgil's nephew's son …

Rickey Henderson to lead base stealing seminar for A's  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson arrived at the Oakland Athletics' spring training facilities Saturday and at least a two dozen A's were listening intently as he spoke on stealing bases, among other subjects.

Blocked by Jeter, a Backup Finds Other Work  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Literally and figuratively, Mick Kelleher was once in Ramiro Pena's position.  As a shortstop in the St. Louis Cardinals organization in the late 1960s and early '70s, Kelleher played four years in the minors behind the incumbent, Dal Maxvill.

PADRES: Gonzalez an asset that needs protection  —  LACKING LINEUP SUPPORT, SLUGGER LED NL IN WALKS LAST SEASON  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — No heavy research is needed to discover the key to the Padres' offensive success this season.  —  Protect Adrian Gonzalez, or else.  —  It's that simple.