A-Rod may discuss doctor with agents  —  Investigators may turn to Yankees star for details on Galea  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said on Monday that he has been contacted by federal agents regarding a Canadian doctor who is under investigation for alleged drug violations …

Minor League Transactions  —  Atlanta Braves  —  Signed: C J.R. House, SS Edward Salcedo  —  Released: RHP Rico Reid, 1B Ryohei Shimabukuro  —  The Braves inked Salcedo, 18, to the richest bonus in franchise history ever handed out to an international amateur—$1.6 million.

Barry Zito: “I want to be a top-of-the-rotation guy again”  —  Many people have chalked up Barry Zito's post-gajillion dollar contract struggles to complacency, comfort, wealth or poor character.  If you believe what he told MLB.com recently, however, his competitive fire still burn:

Bernazard's Ridiculous “Oppo” Plan  —  John Harper at the Daily News wrote about Tony Bernazard's organizational emphasis on hitting the ball to the opposite field, starting after the 2008 season.  Before his firing, Bernazard was apparently so obsessed with players “going oppo” …

The '07 Mitchell Report's effect: Five active players reflect  —  It was, and probably still is, baseball's darkest day this century.  When the Mitchell Report detailing performance-enhancing drug use was released Dec. 13, 2007, old wounds were reopened and new sins exposed.

Cubs looking for young pitchers to step up  —  MESA, Ariz. — Cubs manager Lou Piniella brought up an intriguing idea Monday afternoon at Fitch Park, suggesting he could put first-round pick Andrew Cashner in the bullpen to start the season.  —  “There are open spots here on our pitching staff,” Piniella said.

Can Bonds get back in game?  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Their current situations are not perfect parallels.  But with Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds, it always has been more about intersections.  —  With the steroids era.  With controversy.  And with bat against ball.

Dunn ready to commit  —  VIERA, Fla. — Adam Dunn has spent the last nine years in the major leagues, during which time he has established himself as one of the game's most-consistent sluggers.  Yet he believes he's never produced a full season up to full capability.

SABR Announces Chadwick Award Inaugural Class  —  The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) is pleased to announce the inaugural class of recipients of the Henry Chadwick Award, which was established in November 2009 to honor the game's great researchers—historians, statisticians …

Minor leagues ban many maple bats for safety  —  NEW YORK — Many maple bats will be banned in the minor leagues this season, part of Major League Baseball's push to stop shattered shards of wood from flying dangerously through the air.  —  New regulations will prohibit bats made from ultra-light maple.

Leyland's new slogan: Protect the plate  —  Manager looking for club to improve in two-strike situations  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Jim Leyland's new slogan for his Tigers this year didn't make it to the media guide, and it probably won't end up on a T-shirt.  But he wants his hitters to take it to heart.

Chipper Jones recalls Boog Sciambi's SABR-minded advice  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Former Braves broadcaster Jon “Boog” Sciambi received a lot of attention in the blogosphere last week for his great Baseball Prospectus piece that discussed the difficulties of integrating advanced statistics into his call of the game.

Florida Marlins reliever quite the Olympic organizer  —  Reliever Seth McClung, noted for creating the Bullpen Olympics with the Brewers in 2008, could revive the event if he makes the Marlins.  —  CSPENCER@MIAMIHERALD.COM  —  JUPITER — Thought the Olympics ended Sunday?  Think again.

Alonso trying third base, outfield  —  Many have wondered what would happen to Joey Votto when Yonder Alonso reaches the big leagues since both are good young hitters and of course, both play first base.  —  In an effort to see if can be versatile, the Reds have had Alonso working out lately at third base, left field and right field.

NY Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez moves ahead of the curve … TAMPA, Fla. — It's not unusual for Yankees pitcher Javier Vazquez to talk baseball with his father.  However, it is unusual for those conversations to drift toward the subject of pitching.  And it is even more unusual for Vazquez's father to offer advice.

Yankees' Rivera Works at Own Pace Getting Into Game Shape  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Mariano Rivera leaned back in his chair in the clubhouse.  His legs were splayed, his hands were clasped, and for 45 minutes Monday morning, Rivera hardly moved.  Everyone, as usual, came to him.