Manny Ramirez retires after MLB notifies him of drug-policy ‘issue’  —  The very emotions and reactions Manny Ramirez provoked his entire career — awe, anger, joy, humor, consternation — rushed to the surface throughout baseball on Friday after news emerged the enigmatic slugger was retiring to avoid the sport's anti-doping police.

Yankees-Red Sox Preview … Much to the dismay of the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox won't go 0-162.  —  After a long-awaited offensive outburst helped Boston top its bitter rival and end a season-opening six-game slide, the Red Sox look to post their first winning streak Saturday as Clay Buchholz tries to beat the Yankees.

Angels put Scott Kazmir on DL  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels placed struggling left-hander Scott Kazmir on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his lower back following Friday's 3-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.  —  The move buys the Angels some time as they figure …

Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, aiming for Tuesday return, has no problem with Bill Hall's hard slide  —  Hanley Ramirez said he has no issue with Bill Hall, whose hard slide Friday night injured Ramirez's left leg.  —  “I haven't see the replay yet but my opinion is he was trying to break up a double play.

Mets manager Terry Collins already appears to be running out of time  —  NEW YORK — It's hard to know exactly what Terry Collins has gotten himself into, but you just have to redirect your baseball attention from the Bronx to Flushing for a few minutes to recognize that it isn't likely to be pleasant.

La Russa, others get a scare in the air  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A private plane carrying eight team members, including manager Tony La Russa and four players, made a forced landing at Spirit of St. Louis Airport on Thursday after the plane's cabin failed to pressurize.

Without Mike Stanton again, Florida Marlins will try to spoil Houston Astros home opener  —  No Mike Stanton again tonight.  Brett Hayes gets his first start behind the dish.  And the Marlins play another home opener.  —  This time, they're in Houston where the 1-5 Astros play their home opener at Minute Maid Park.

Ruiz slam helps Oswalt collect first ever win over Braves  —  ATLANTA — Scott Linebrink threw one fastball past Carlos Ruiz.  —  Ruiz was ready when the next pitch came in the same location.  —  Ruiz hit a pinch-hit grand slam and drove in five runs, and Roy Oswalt earned his first victory …

Snell considering return to action  —  Less than a month after retiring from the Majors as a 29-year-old, Ian Snell is considering a return, according to the right-hander's agent.  —  “He told the world he's retiring, and that's what we thought was going to happen,” Snell's agent Joe Sroba said Friday.

Hope amid failure: Baseball as biography  —  Like life, the game pits individuals against long odds.

Jake Peavy ineffective in rehab start  —  CHICAGO — An ineffective but healthy Jake Peavy lasted just 3 2/3 innings in his minor league rehab start with Double-A Birmingham.  —  In his first game action outside of Arizona, Peavy had planned on going five innings and throwing 75 pitches.

Pirates Outlast Rockies 4-3 in 14  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) — By the time Jose Tabata delivered his game-winning double, Friday turned to Saturday, Todd Helton went from being out of the lineup with a stiff back to in it as a pinch-hitter, and a crowd of 29,000 was reduced to a few die-hards.

Indians Ruin Mariners' Home Opener With 12-3 Rout  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Travis Hafner had an RBI single and hit a three-run homer that nearly reached the third-deck of seats as part of Cleveland's 10-run fourth inning, and the Indians won their fifth straight with a 12-3 rout of the Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

Dodgers-Padres Suspended Due to Rain  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Friday night's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres was suspended after the fourth rain delay, with the score tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning.  —  The final delay began at 1:13 a.m. on a long …

Storen getting job done with heat  —  Potential closer using fastball to great effect for Nationals  —  NEW YORK — Of the four Nationals relievers who pitched in Thursday's 5-3 victory over the Marlins, right-hander Drew Storen was arguably the most dominating.  He pitched two shutout innings and struck out three batters.