Nix not concerned about leaving Nationals  —  VIERA, Fla. — It was reported on Thursday that the Astros are in a need of a left-handed bat off the bench and are eyeing Nationals outfielder Laynce Nix, who signed a Minor League deal with Washington last month.  —  Nix is considered to be one of the best bench players in baseball.

After Tsunami, Igawa Leaves Yankees' Camp  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The effects of the devastation in Japan were felt in Yankees camp Friday morning, when the minor league left-hander Kei Igawa left the team's complex so he could try to locate his family.  —  Igawa is from Oarai, Ibaraki prefecture …

Some steps Phillies could take to acquire Rangers' Michael Young  —  THERE DIDN'T seem to be any way the Phillies would get Roy Halladay.  They got Roy Halladay.  —  There didn't seem to be any way they would get Cliff Lee.  They got Cliff Lee.  —  There doesn't seem to be any realistic …

David Ortiz last of a kind  —  ‘Bunch of idiots’ now 1  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  FORT MYERS — Seven years later, David Ortiz [stats] is the last Idiot standing.  He's not technically the final remaining member of the 2004 World Series champs still on the Red Sox [team stats].

Isringhausen hurting to help Mets in return  —  Veteran reliever's high threshold for pain a true asset  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The career of Jason Isringhausen could have gone significantly smoother to this point.  He's stubbed his toe a few times — and his tongue once or twice.

Romero given Blue Jays' Opening Day nod  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Ricky Romero was forced to take a long road to the Major Leagues, but once he got there, the native of East Los Angeles found a quick path to success.  —  That was further validated on Friday, when the Blue Jays announced that Romero …

Aaron Cook out with broken finger, hopes it's 2-week setback  —  Aaron Cook.  (John Leyba, The Denver Post)  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Just when Aaron Cook thought possibly his last spring with the Rockies couldn't get any worse, it did.  Already out until early April with inflammation …

Dice-K, Okajima concerned for Japan  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka woke up Friday morning to the news that Japan had been rocked by the largest earthquake in his nation's history.  He believes that his parents are doing OK, but it was still tough news to digest from so far away.

Dempster Goes 5 Shutout Innings, Cubs Beat Chisox  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Ryan Dempster appears ready to take the mound on Opening Day.  —  The Chicago Cubs' No. 1 starter shut out the Chicago White Sox for five innings Friday as the Cubs hung on late to beat their crosstown rival 4-3.

Saito leaves Brewers camp after Japan quake  —  PHOENIX, Ariz. — The massive earthquake that struck Japan on Friday devastated the hometown of Brewers reliever Takashi Saito, who left Spring Training camp to attempt to contact loved ones.  —  Saito has been in contact with his wife, Yukiko …

Jim Leyland blasts media: 'I'm tired' of Miguel Cabrera questions  —  Jupiter, Fla.— Tigers manager Jim Leyland showed both his frustration with the Miguel Cabrera crisis and his resolve to get Cabrera “into baseball shape” during a pithy press briefing ahead of Friday's game against the Cardinals game at Roger Dean Stadium.

Cueto leaves start early, Reds tie Rangers 5-5  —  SURPRISE, Ariz.—Reds starter Johnny Cueto cut short his start because of tightness in his right forearm and the Cincinnati Reds tied the Texas Rangers 5-5 Friday.  —  “It wasn't near his elbow, which is a good sign,” Reds trainer Paul Lessard said.

For the love of Bryce Harper: Get ready, Washington.  You're about to fall head over heels for the Nationals' newest star.  —  The first thing you do is, you go over and grab one of those iron rods - rebar, it's called - from the pile.  It may weigh 50 pounds, maybe 80, maybe more.