Will Bonds Break Hammerin' Hank's Record?  —  It doesn't take a clairvoyant to prophesize that one of the media events of 2007 is the likely celebration/opprobrium when, or if, Barry Bonds clubs home runs numbers 755 and 756 out of the yard.  —  But is such a celebration likely to happen?

Barber, first 20-game winner in modern Orioles history, dies  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Steve Barber, the first 20-game winner in modern Baltimore Orioles history and the losing pitcher in one of baseball's wildest no-hitters, has died.  He was 67.  —  Barber became ill last week and died …

Helling to retire after 12 seasons  —  FARGO, N.D. — Right-hander Rick Helling says he is retiring from Major League baseball after 12 years, to spend more time with his family.  —  "It's been long enough," Helling told The Forum newspaper on Monday.  "It's time to be a dad."

Where's the next Verlander?  —  The search is on for this year's Justin Verlander, but good luck trying to find him.  —  FOX Bite  —  Videos  —  Hardball Report  —  Verlander made an enormous impact last season, earning 17 wins, helping the Tigers to the World Series and winning American League Rookie of the Year.

Cubs open checkbook, raise expectations … Was there any event that summed up baseball's wacko winter better than this:  —  A general manager's signing a free-agent pitcher to a $40-million contract while hooked up to an EKG machine?  —  This actually happened, you know.  In real life.

Interview with Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News  —  Adam Rubin, who covers the Mets at the New York Daily News and runs the great and informative NY Mets Blog, answered some of my questions on the Mets upcoming season.  —  Pat Andriola: What do you make of the Mets rotation this year?

Mets' Johnson looking for chance to play  —  Ben Johnson, a stranger in his new town, was eager for the opportunity to spend one of his dwindling days before spring training teaching kids how to swing a bat.  —  "I feel as a major-league player, I should give something back," …

Former Cardinals pitcher Lanier dies at 91  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  DUNELLON, Fla. — Max Lanier, who pitched in three consecutive World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals during World War II, has died.  He was 91.  —  He died last Tuesday and was buried with a Cardinals cap last weekend …

Toby Harrah  —  Nobody ever discusses the most equal trades of all time.  Conversely, the awful trades come up periodically: Jeff Bagwell for Larry Andersen, Nolan Ryan for Jim Fregosi, Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas, Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek for Heathcliff Slocumb, Sparky Lyle for Danny Cater …

Hill climber in Chicago  —  Cubs believe Milton pitcher can reach top  —  Baseball officials are known to gush about their pitching prospects almost as if they were speaking about their own children.  Such is the case with lefthander Rich Hill.  For while the Cubs spent zillions this offseason …

Guardado, Reds agree to minor league contract  —  CINCINNATI — Cincinnati relief pitcher Eddie Guardado, recovering from surgery on his throwing arm, agreed to a minor league contract, the Reds said Monday.  —  The 36-year-old Guardado was invited to the Reds' major league training camp.

Can an American coach and a book deliver success in English football?  —  It's been called the most influential sports book ever.  David Runciman, in this remarkable report, explains how Moneyball transformed American sport and is doing the same here  —  Observer Sport Monthly

Williams' moves head lengthy list of worries for Sox  —  With Super Bowl XLI history, it's time for Chicago fans to refocus on the team that produced the city's last parade: The MMV White Sox, champions of World Series CII.  —  Yes, spring training is bearing down on fans preoccupied …