Desmond could factor into Nats' leadoff mix  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The way Nationals manager Jim Riggleman explained it, Ian Desmond's ascension to the leadoff spot on Thursday was a matter of need, not a case of foreshadowing.  After all, neither Nyjer Morgan nor Roger Bernadina …

Torre returns to visit Yankees in new role  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The last time Joe Torre set foot in the building that would be later renamed George M. Steinbrenner Field, he rejected a contract offer that officially ended his 12-year run as Yankees manager.  —  On Thursday, Torre's visit …

Mets' Carlos Beltran is back to baseball activities after setback with knee  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Carlos Beltran played catch.  He swung a bat from the right-hand side but not the left.  —  This was his resumption of baseball activities after being shut down due to left knee tendinitis last week.

Notes from spring training  —  • The Rockies are beginning to look like they might have decent rotation depth — perhaps even enough to trade right-hander Aaron Cook once he is healthy.  —  Start with right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, lefty Jorge De La Rosa and righties Jason Hammel and Jhoulys Chacin — a formidable front four.

Opening Day in question for injured Parra  —  PHOENIX — Balky-backed Brewers reliever Manny Parra had a setback earlier this week and could miss the start of the regular season, manager Ron Roenicke said Thursday.  —  Parra received a cortisone injection after feeling discomfort …

Despite strong finish, Orioles still look outmanned in AL East … TAMPA — Ex-Yankees manager Buck Showalter and his Orioles team left George Steinbrenner Field here with a 10-0 defeat Wednesday, which is not only a reminder of how things have been but could also be a portent of things to come this year, as well.

Red Sox taking donations at game to aid Japan  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox's efforts to assist those devastated in Japan will continue on Thursday afternoon, when a group of Red Sox pitchers, led by Daisuke Matsuzaka, will help collect donations at City of Palms Park.

Chat transcript with Reds VP Bob Miller  —  Bob_Miller: Thanks for joining me today on reds.com.  I'm ready for your questions!  —  oscar43: In 29 years of professional baseball, you have obviously seen many pitching staffs.  Where would your rank the 2011 Reds pitching?

Is Scott Rolen Famous Enough For Cooperstown?  —  Among many fun conversations I had while in Arizona last week, perhaps the most interesting involved a topic I'd been thinking about for a while - Scott Rolen's chances of getting elected to the Hall Of Fame.

Spring training 2011: Los Angeles Angels' Kendrys Morales: Ankle still inflexible, inflamed  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales is getting closer to returning to game action, but said Thursday that he's still not sure he'll be ready for the team's season opener March 31.

A-Rod homers in 3rd straight game  —  TAMPA, Fla.—Alex Rodriguez homered in his third consecutive game and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Thursday night.  —  Rodriguez hit his fourth home run overall, a solo shot in the second.  A-Rod has an RBI in five straight games …