The Dirt  —  I was ready to shoot somebody, man.  Literally.  I was sleeping at my house in the Dominican this winter when I heard a banging on my front door at 7:30 in the morning.  Now, I got security.  My kids and family are sleeping in the house.  I wasn't expecting anyone.

A Fresh Start  —  Yesterday, I had Tommy John surgery to fix my left arm.  I'm obviously extremely disappointed.  I wanted to let my pitching speak for itself, but now there are going to be new distractions.  For that reason, I wanted to be the one to tell people what's happened and make this a fresh start.

Cubs' trade sets up Samardzija for future  —  MESA, Ariz. - The Cubs' parting gift to Jeff Samardzija might have long-term benefits for him.  —  Like Jon Lester, Samardzija got a taste of what playing for another organization was like as he was traded last July 5 to the Athletics and completed …

Last Slide  —  Every year, there is something new to eat and drink at Great American Ball Park.  This year, there are also some new ways to order that should make getting your beer, your hot dogs and your Belgian waffles with strawberries go faster.  That way, you'll spend less time waiting in line and more time watching the game.

Former Cardinals player punched at St. Louis County gas station after racial slur  —  FENTON  • Former Cardinals outfielder Curt Ford said Thursday he may move away from the St. Louis area in disgust after being punched in an allegedly unprovoked, race-related attack at a gas station.

Alex Rodriguez's cousin to plead guilty  —  MIAMI — A guilty plea is set for a cousin of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez in the federal investigation into performance-enhancing drugs illegally provided to athletes through a South Florida clinic.  —  U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga scheduled …

Reds get Dan Johnson from Astros  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cincinnati Reds acquired first baseman Dan Johnson from the Houston Astros on Thursday for a player to be named or cash, one of two trades involving minor leaguers.  They also sent infielder Devin Lohman to the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named or cash.

Chad Bettis, sent down on Sunday, makes statement vs. Rangers  —  TOPICS  —  Surprise, Ariz. — Chad Bettis wasn't just flame thrower Thursday night against the Rangers.  He was a pitcher.  —  Commanding his fastball down and away and mixing in a confounding changeup …

Mets Drastically Cut Security at Citi Field Despite Concerns, Records Show  —  FLUSHING — The New York Mets dramatically cut security staff at Citi Field in recent years despite concerns the moves would lead to increased response times for emergencies and fights as well as longer wait times at ticket gates, internal documents show.

Lincecum Goes 5 Innings but Giants Lose 6-4 to Athletics  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Tim Lincecum pitched five shaky innings for the San Francisco Giants, and Billy Butler hit a two-run double that helped the Oakland Athletics to a 6-4 victory Thursday night.  —  Giants catcher Hector Sanchez drove …

Bryant looks good at another position he won't play for Cubs in opener  —  MESA, Ariz. — So now there are two positions Kris Bryant is good enough to play but won't be allowed to on Opening Night.  —  For seven innings Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels, the slugging third-base prospect looked more than capable in left field.

Potential Yankees Starter Warren Has Another Solid Outing  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Adam Warren isn't assuming he will earn a spot in the New York Yankees' pitching rotation.  —  “I haven't been told anything yet,” Warren said Thursday after another solid performance during a 6-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Hernandez Throws 6 Sharp Innings in Mariners' Loss to Royals  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Felix Hernandez pitched two-hit ball for six innings in his longest outing of the spring Thursday as a split squad of Seattle Mariners lost to the Kansas City Royals 3-0.  —  Hernandez, the ace who led the AL with a 2.14 ERA last season, gave up one run.