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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Street likely to start season on DL  —  Rockies closer undergoes MRI on ailing right shoulder  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Rockies closer Huston Street underwent an MRI exam on his ailing right shoulder on Wednesday, and he is likely to begin the regular season on the disabled list.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

(2 of 2)  —  Niese hasn't been overly disappointed in his results so far because the biggest thing for him is showing he is healthy.  —  Manuel liked what he saw from the 23-year-old in his second of two call-ups to the majors last season before a torn hamstring ended his season Aug. 5.

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 …