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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cardinals are deep enough, DeWitt says  —  February 26, 2010 — Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. (left) talks with general manager John Mozeliak during Cardinals spring training at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla. (Chris Lee/P-D)  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr …

Sox: Westmoreland surgery ‘successful’  —  The Red Sox issued the following release about the surgical procedure performed on 19-year-old Ryan Westmoreland to remove a cavernous malformation in his brain:  —  “According to the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital …

Crew allowing time for rotation decisions  —  Club shuffles spring starts among pitching candidates  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Brewers are making arrangements to give themselves as much time as possible to render decisions about the back end of their starting rotation.