Was there a better way for Red Sox to spend?  —  There are different ways to construct a baseball team, and the Red Sox chose their own interesting path for 2013.  So far they have succeeded in protecting their second pick by not going after a free agent requiring compensation, instead using older …

Furcal is ‘not getting better’  —  • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Not only was Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal unable to play Saturday, which had been his target date a few days before, he has no idea when he again will test his ailing right elbow.

Bud Selig calls for tougher penalties  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Baseball commissioner Bud Selig announced Saturday that he is making a push for stricter punishments in the joint drug testing program between MLB and the player's association.  —  Selig  —  Selig cited last season's suspension …

Will San Jose sue the San Francisco Giants to allow the Oakland A's to move south?  —  SAN JOSE — The A's attempted journey to San Jose continues at the speed of Pablo Sandoval.  As he tries to steal home.  While carrying Bruce Bochy on his back.  —  In other words, the slowness …

Zimmerman returns to formidable Nats lineup  —  Has RBI single as designated hitter against Cardinals in first spring action  —  VIERA, Fla. — Bit by bit this spring, the Nationals have looked more and more like themselves.  —  Davey Johnson has been slow to slot his regulars and his veterans …

Kyle Lohse not completely off Rangers' radar  —  SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Cactus League games have been played for nine days so far this year, which isn't even a quarter of the Texas Rangers' schedule in the longest spring in club history.  —  No one knows better than club personnel, and the media …

Yankees' Ichiro in car crash, not hurt  —  TAMPA — Ichiro Suzuki avoided injury last night when his car collided with another vehicle.  —  “He is fine,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.  “His interpreter called to let us know.”  —  Ichiro was headed south in his Land Rover …

Royals' pitching acquisitons were worth it, scouts say  —  K.C. gave up talent, money to bring in Shields, Santana and Davis  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — So was it all worth it — all the talent and money expended by the Royals to acquire starting pitchers James Shields, Ervin Santana and Wade Davis?

Lucas Duda's bat is waking up  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After enduring massive struggles with his swing at the start of spring training, leftfielder Lucas Duda has given the Mets some encouraging signs.  —  In Saturday's 8-8 tie with the Marlins, Duda went 2-for-3 with a double …

Christian Garcia could miss opening day with partial tear in forearm tendon  —  physician Wiemi Douoguih diagnosed the discomfort at the base of Christian Garcia's right forearm as a partially torn tendon, an injury that will require at least another week of rest and could prevent Garcia from being ready for opening day.

Howard HR Exits Stadium in Phils' 13-5 Win  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Ryan Howard hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Brett Cecil that cleared the back fence and went out of Bright House Field, helping a Philadelphia Phillies' split squad beat the Toronto Blue Jays 13-5 Sunday.

Reliever Cassevah elects free agency  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Reliever Bobby Cassevah elected free agency on Friday.  —  Cassevah, who was out of options, cleared waivers on Thursday and had 72 hours to decide whether to accept an assignment to the Minor Leagues.