Gonzalez to make Red Sox debut Saturday  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Adrian Gonzalez, the star slugger acquired from the Padres back in December, will make his debut for the Red Sox on Saturday, batting third and playing first base in a 1:05 p.m. ET Grapefruit League contest against the Marlins at City of Palms Park.

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 …

Podsednik debuts, shows speed on bases  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Blue Jays outfielder Scott Podsednik made his long-awaited Grapefruit League debut on Friday afternoon in a game against the Yankees.  —  The 34-year-old had missed the club's first 12 games because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Ivan Nova is certain he can win a spot in New York Yankees starting rotation for 2011 season  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - Of the three front-runners in the Yankees' rotation competition, one is a former Cy Young winner, another a two-time All-Star.  —  The third?  He's a 24-year-old …

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.

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 …

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 …

Late in career, Wakefield playing role of old standby  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Tim Wakefield pitched before the days of the designated hitter and color television.  He was in the bullpen when Ted Williams hit his 521st homer.  He played opposite Morgan Freeman in “The Bucket List.”

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.

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.

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 …

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.