Elijah Dukes released (updated)  —  The Nationals this morning granted outfielder Elijah Dukes, a player brimming with potential yet haunted by a controversial past he had seemingly moved beyond, his unconditional release.  —  “Everyone in Elijah's camp is surprised,” said Dukes's attorney, Grady Irvin.

Rangers manager failed 2009 test for cocaine … Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, SI.com has learned.  —  Washington, 57, has been subject to increased drug testing since his failed test, which was administered by Major League Baseball last July …

Bradley cloud may have a Silva lining  —  MESA, Ariz. — Maybe if the Seattle Mariners could have done a little more for Carlos Silva's mom the last two years, they would have gotten more for their money.  —  Instead, that Silva-for-Milton Bradley deal might start looking even better …

Lowrie has mono  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Time for everyone to keep their cups to themselves.  That mystery illness that has afflicted Jed Lowrie?  That would be mononucleosis.  —  “He can play as tolerated,” Terry Francona said.  “There's a reason he was feeling rundown last week.

Tallet shuts down Orioles  —  Jays starter allows a single run in four innings in 4-1 win  —  Left-hander Brian Tallet allowed one hit over four innings, a leadoff single by Cesar Izturis in the first, and retired the last 12 batters he faced to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

Smoltz sets the odds on him pitching again: 50-1  —  So I phoned John Smoltz — now professional broadcaster and media leech — Wednesday and still couldn't get him to utter the “r” word.  Don't know why.  When a guy tells you that his “desire” to pitch “is not where it was three months ago,” it seems to me the decision has been made.

Francoeur armed with unique skill  —  Outfielder racking up assists while scaring off baserunners  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A baseball bounces through the right side of the Mets' infield, the runner on second base begins his sprint and a routine exhibition game no longer is so inconsequential.

Cliff Lee suspended five regular season games  —  And they say spring training doesn't matter, huh?  Well, somebody upstairs seems to care about it because Cliff Lee just got suspended five games from the start of the regular season.  That takes care of his first scheduled start.

How St. Patrick's became baseball's holiday  —  Cincy GM Dick Wagner turned the Reds green in '78  —  Throughout Florida and Arizona, baseball goes green today, and it has nothing to do with recycling or carbon footprints.  Green caps, green bases, maybe an occasional green bat donut — and sure and begorrah to all.