Rays boost Upton's work load hoping he hits back … ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays think part of B.J. Upton's offensive struggles are the result of concern over his defensive problems.  —  So to lessen his worry, they plan to give him more to do.  —  In addition to Upton playing shortstop and third …

10 questions facing the Cardinals  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The arrival of pitchers and catchers this week at Roger Dean Stadium begins the Cardinals' first spring training as defending World Series champions since February 1983.  It also offers the opening verse to camp's most intriguing script …

It's deja vu all over again for Sox  —  In some ways, oddly enough, the Red Sox [team stats] are in precisely the same spot they were a year ago.  They have a new, young starter for whom they paid a significant price.  They have a new shortstop and a new second baseman, as well as a new leadoff hitter.

Williams hits dour note  —  Might pick guitar over Yanks  —  NEW MILFORD, Conn. - One of the most revered Yankees of this generation acknowledged last night that it finally looks like "Bye-bye, Bernie."  —  Longtime outfielder Bernie Williams admitted that he is not inclined to take the Yankees …

Familiar questions face Marlins  —  MIAMI GARDENS — At the Marlins' annual Town Hall meeting Saturday, fans asked players and officials all the expected pre-season questions: Who will play center field?  Has pitcher Josh Johnson's sore arm healed?  Will the team announce a ballpark deal soon?

Masur leaving WGN radio booth  —  He'll do play-by-play, color for the Padres  —  Andy Masur's workload increased significantly Friday when the WGN-AM broadcaster jumped from the Cubs' radio booth to San Diego.  —  Masur, who spent the last eight years on Cubs broadcasts …

Nitkowski's Japanese Journey Begins  —  MIYAZAKI, Japan - After 12 spring trainings in major league baseball with seven different teams, I would have felt confident saying that I have seen all spring training could possibly have to offer.  That was, of course, before I began my 13th spring training …

Rangers key issues for spring training  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  Staff writer Evan Grant thinks manager Ron Washington and the Rangers must address these projects in the next seven weeks if they are to end their playoff drought in 2007:  —  Build up the confidence

What's the Deal?  Did G.M.'s Take the Winter Off?  —  Spring training begins this week — pitchers and catchers for the Yankees and eight other teams will hold their first workouts Thursday — but where did the off-season go?  —  Did general managers go on vacation for three months?

Baseball: Splendor in the grass  —  Rockies ownership has lost its patience.  It wants, at minimum, a .500 record this season.  It wants a competitive team from April's first pitch to September's last out.  The manager and general manager are on notice.  —  The clock is ticking …

Bargain shopping  —  Looking at the best deals of the offseason  —  DALLAS — According to Chinese astrology, 2007 is the Year of the Pig.  According to baseball's zodiac, it has been the Year of the Sheep.  Or the Lemming.  One-by-one owners seem to have mindlessly followed one another off …

Nine questions heading into camp  —  Drew's ability to fit in tops Sox's quest for answers this spring  —  BOSTON — The one thing you can always count on this time of year when it comes to any baseball team is that there are more questions than answers.  The Red Sox, even with all the money …