Tigers' Peralta linked to Bosch, PEDs  —  Jhonny Peralta is the 12th player connected to Biogenesis, the Florida wellness clinic at the heart of the scandal.  —  Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta is named in the records of Tony Bosch, the director of the Biogenesis wellness clinic in Coral Gables …

NY Mets still motivated to sign Michael Bourn but adamant about keeping first-round draft pick  —  The Mets are still very motivated to sign free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn, according to people familiar with the team's thinking — but remain adamant about keeping their first-round draft choice.

Francisco, Collins say vet still Mets closer  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Frank Francisco made his closing argument yesterday.  This is an open and shut case.  —  “I am the closer,” Francisco told The Post at the Mets spring-training complex.  —  No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Cards issue No. 32 for first time since Hancock wore it  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • For the first time since pitcher Josh Hancock died in an automobile accident early in the 2007 season, the Cardinals will issue his No. 32 to an active player at spring training.

2 p.m. update: Mixed UM recruiting news; Big name rebuffed trying to buy Marlins; Heat, Fins  —  The Wednesday buzz is below, with some surprising Marlins news and more.  First, a quick Wednesday morning UM recruiting update: Staten Island-based running back Augustus Edwards picked UM over FSU …

Scott gets $2.75-million, De La Rosa gets designated  —  UPDATE, 7:30: Scott said he was excited to be back and get another chance to “see the fruits of my labor.”  —  He had good reports his right shoulder, which was an issue last year as he was coming off surgery, saying it is much improved and stronger …

Leyland is exactly where he belongs with Tigers  —  Veteran skipper has shown he knows when it is time to move on  —  With the highly-favored Tigers battling until the final days of last season with the White Sox before claiming the American League Central title there was talk …

Better to judge baseball talent with the naked eye  —  ONCE, WHEN the Internet was not as friendly and we sought to observe athletic greatness rather than quantify it, sports was a simpler world.  You watched under well-lit skies and inside of electrified arenas and amid pivotal moments …

Gonzalez passes physical, returns to Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Shortstop Alex Gonzalez passed a physical exam on Wednesday and signed his one-year deal to return to the Brewers, who tentatively plan to use him as an experienced backup to young shortstop Jean Segura.

After bruising years, Lackey ready to take mound  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — To fans, John Lackey is the most unpopular player on the Red Sox.  There is no second place; that's how much of a landslide it is.  —  Lackey is an expensive free agent who didn't meet expectations, a quick path to getting booed at Fenway Park.

Leake, Reds avoid arbitration with one-year deal  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds and starting pitcher Mike Leake avoided arbitration early Wednesday morning when the right-hander agreed to a one-year, $3.06 million contract, sources told MLB.com.  —  The Reds have not made any announcements on the deal.