Gorzelanny's first start remains uncertain  —  WASHINGTON — With three off-days during the first week of the regular season, the Nationals are trying to figure out when left-hander Tom Gorzelanny will start his first game.  —  As of now, Gorzelanny will not pitch his first game until April 7 …

Clemens says he's ‘looking forward’ to his day in court  —  HUMBLE — After finishing his stint as a charity caddie for PGA Tour player Ryan Palmer this afternoon, Roger Clemens stopped to shake a few hands, slap a few backs and sign a few autographs.  —  Then, with a large group of media waiting …

What do we know?  Not much — yet  —  Here are some predictions, but many variables sure to be at play  —  There was a day this spring when we were watching a game with a group of very smart baseball people and the discussion point was whether the Reds were the biggest favorite in any of the divisions.

MLB on FOX ready to tie one on  —  Walking out of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia after the final game of the NLCS, I was grabbed by Jim Bernard, a FOX Sports VP.  —  “Are you ready to wear the bow tie?”  Jim said.  “We're getting you some in San Francisco.”  —  The what?

Crawford leaves 70 tickets in return home  —  HOUSTON — Red Sox left fielder Carl Crawford, a native of Houston, left about 70 tickets for family and friends for Wednesday's exhibition game at Minute Maid Park.  —  Crawford has played in his hometown before — in exhibition games as a member …

BREAKING NEWS: Brandon Belt wins spot on Giants' roster, will make big league debut on opening day (33)  —  Giants Manager Bruce Bochy went to the mat to keep Brandon Belt and the skipper got his wish.  —  Alex Pavlovic just reported via Twitter that Belt was informed he'll be on the team.

Patrick Reusse: You can take your UZR and ...  2011 BASEBALL PREVIEW All the new-age stats in the world can't tell as much about a player as the eyes of a baseball lifer.  —  Jim Fregosi played his first pro game in 1959.  He was an All-Star with the California Angels and a manager …

Shakespeare and Verlander … Like This Story … - The Government Is Suing Banks for Offenses That Regulators Knew About but Ignored- Why Are Simon Winchester's History Books So Popular?  - Britney Spears' New Album Is Brilliantly Avant-Garde.  Seriously.- Gamification Is the Worst …

Mets seek productive mix of new talent, core  —  Club has pieces to win, but chemistry will create identity  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Consider, for a moment, the Mets at their most basic level.  Consider the names embroidered on the back of the uniforms: Wright.  Reyes.  Beltran.  Bay.

New leadership, new approach for Blue Jays  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Blue Jays enter the 2011 season with a new manager and a new philosophy on how to compete in the American League East.  —  Last season, Toronto led the Major Leagues with 257 home runs.  The club's approach was to sit back …

Fernando Valenzuela was a game-changer for the Dodgers, baseball, and Los Angeles  —  What became known as Fernandomania began with an opening day shutout by Mexican rookie Fernando Valenzuela 30 years ago.  He'll throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.

Spring training 2011: Philadelphia Phillies trim roster, cut just-signed 2B Luis Castillo  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Philadelphia Phillies released Luis Castillo on Wednesday, one week after signing the veteran second baseman to a minor league contract.  —  Castillo signed with Philadelphia …

Giants Designate Travis Ishikawa For Assignment  —  The Giants designated Travis Ishikawa for assignment, according to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter).  Rookie Brandon Belt made the Giants' Opening Day roster, bumping Ishikawa from the team.

Mound work first step in long rehab for Greinke  —  CINCINNATI — The Brewers expect injured starter Zack Greinke to begin throwing off a mound this weekend in Cincinnati or early next week in Milwaukee, but he's still weeks away from being activated from the disabled list and could miss all of April, manager Ron Roenicke said.

A Solo Shot  —  Fans come out to the ballpark for a variety of reasons, from cheap family fun to the intricacies of the hit-and-run to the devastating ruin of Pedro Martinez's changeup.  Baseball has something for everyone.  There is no denying, however, the almost universal appeal of the home run.