Cocaine, blackmail converge on Texas Rangers  —  Not that anyone would admit it publicly, but Rangers management could see this one coming.  For months, it watched a PR disaster building like a thunderstorm to the west.  —  Let's just say the ballclub had been warned.

Debating the Dukes decision  —  Elijah Dukes' Nats career ends with a .256 average, 21 homers and 102 RBI in 188 games.  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Jim Bowden sat behind a conference table in his suite at the Opryland Hotel on Dec. 3, 2007, having just traded for Elijah Dukes at the winter meetings …

Mariners pitcher Lee disciplined  —  Pitcher Cliff Lee of the Seattle Mariners has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing a pitch in the head area of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder during the third inning of Seattle's Spring Training game on Monday …

Source: Rockies interested in reliever Beimel  —  TUCSON — The domino effect of injuries has led the Rockies to express interest in free- agent reliever Joe Beimel, according to a major-league source.  —  With Huston Street pegged to start the season on the disabled list …

Martinez, an Understudy, Is Playing Like a Star  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Mets put an entire story line on the team bus on Wednesday, sending all three contenders for the starting center-field job on the three-hour trip here to face the Boston Red Sox.  —  Call it a road show …

Cleveland's failed pursuit of Tim Lincecum in 2005 didn't please MLB officials: Indians Insider … GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians have faced two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum twice since coming to Arizona for spring training in 2009.  Each time it's happened, bloggers and chat room participants …

Don't be fooled by majestic March  —  He is tempting.  Oh boy, is Jenrry Mejia tempting.  It is not just that he is talented.  But he is talented and he can be pigeon-holed to fill an obvious Mets' need in the eighth inning.  —  Not only that, he is homegrown and electric …

Early reviews positive for Cubs' designated ‘goofball’  —  Kevin Millar has hit .333 with a 545 on-base percentage, and has melded well with his new teammates  —  MESA, Ariz. — In a radio interview near the end of the 1996 season, White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf claimed his ballclub was too …

The shortstops: Nomar, Jeter, A-Rod were long on talent  —  Not so long ago virtually any discussion of the best shortstops in baseball included Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.  —  The late 1990s were arguably the golden era of American League shortstops …

Saunders relieved to see better results  —  Right-hander bounces back with four solid innings' work  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — After pitching most of last season with stiffness in his throwing shoulder, Angels left-hander Joe Saunders couldn't be happier to be healthy this spring.