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 …

McGee might find some save opportunities  —  TAMPA, Fla. — When it was clear the Rays would develop lefty Jake McGee as a reliever this spring, he said he wanted to close.  Manager Joe Maddon doesn't think that would be such a bad idea, even if he's not quite ready to hand the job to the 24-year-old.

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.

Joe Torre set for Yanks' Old-Timers' Day  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The reconciliation between the New York Yankees and Joe Torre, which began last July when Torre was invited back to Yankee Stadium for a memorial service honoring George Steinbrenner, will continue on June 26 when the estranged ex-manager returns …

3UP: Contraction, Hughes, A-Rod  —  1. I presented what I call my Michael Corleone theory to a person involved in baseball labor and I expected this person to laugh in sorrow for me and move on to the next subject.  Shockingly, he told me that the theory - not associated with Michael Corleone's name - has actually been discussed.

Looking at Pitches Through the Batter's Eyes  —  Believe it or not, most of our writers didn't enter the world sporting an @baseballprospectus.com address; with a few exceptions, they started out somewhere else.  In an effort to up your reading pleasure while tipping our caps …

Numbers Down in SEC After Changes to Aluminum Bats  —  Offensive numbers have plummeted on baseball diamonds around the Southeastern Conference.  —  The change to metal bats has reduced the once-gaudy deluge of hits and cut out the “cheap” homers that were synonymous with college baseball.

Contract expiring, but Wilson wants to stay  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson is ready to begin the season without a contract beyond this year.  —  That means Wilson can file for free agency after the season, although he still wants to stay in Texas.

Carlos Beltran still limited by knee injury at Mets spring training, but says he's getting better  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Carlos Beltran hopes that days like this do not become the norm this year, as they have in recent seasons.  While the Mets played in another city, Beltran remained …

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.

Ivan Nova's New Toy  —  Slider!  (AP Photo)  —  It's only Spring Training, but we were treated to a pitching gem last night.  Ivan Nova, the youngest member of the fourth/fifth starter's competition, threw six hitless innings against the Orioles, allowing only two baserunners (one hit-by-pitch, one error).

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.