SPRING TRAINING: Moose to Carl: Show us  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Carl Pavano brushed aside questions about any work he needs to do in the clubhouse, saying his bad reputation among teammates is overhyped by the media.  —  "I think it's just something you guys have had fun with," Pavano said yesterday …

Japanese star shows humor, directness, diplomacy  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Daisuke Matsuzaka revealed Thursday that his first pitch to a spring training opponent will be a fastball.  —  He also revealed a side of his personality that could endear him to Red Sox fans even before he throws that pitch.

Robinson Declines Celebration in His Honor  —  Former Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson has declined an offer to be honored by the club during a game this May, according to team president Stan Kasten, who said officials hold out hope that Robinson will reconsider.

Bonds, Giants agree; MLB approves  —  Slugger expected to report to training camp by Monday  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Barry Bonds contract odyssey has come to an end.  The Giants announced on Thursday that the club and the left-handed-hitting slugger have signed off on his one-year …

Billy wants '06 season closed out  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Billy Wagner had 40 saves in his first season in Flushing, but the closer wasn't impressed.  "My numbers say I was good, but mentally I know I wasn't," Wagner said.  "... What I'm looking for is the old Billy."  —  By that, Wagner means 1-2-3 innings.

New year, new hope for Penn … FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. // First, it was Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo who sought out pitcher Hayden Penn in the clubhouse this morning and gave the pitcher a brief pep talk, telling him to relax and be himself.  —  Moments later, hitting coach Terry Crowley visited Penn …

Manuel keeps laboring  —  Pat Gillick knows something about winning with a manager who is bland and often criticized by the public.  He twice won the World Series in Toronto with Cito Gaston as his manager and now he's the Phillies general manager trying to do it with Charlie Manuel.

Lo Duca seeking contract extension with Mets  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca is completely healthy following offseason thumb surgery — and he would love a contract extension.  —  "I've been vocal that I want to stay here," the four-time All-Star said Thursday after reporting to spring training.

PLAY BALL!  —  Indians pitchers and catcher report to Winter Haven  —  They're here!  All of the pitchers and catchers had to be in "The Haven" by today.  They'll have physicals tomorrow and be on the field Saturday for the first scheduled team workouts.  Some guys did things today but they were limited drills.

This Annotated Week in Baseball History: Feb. 11-17, 2006  —  On Feb. 14 across the world, Valentine's Day is celebrated.  So what better day to look back at some of the best and worst of baseball Valentines?  —  As with most history, there is much debate as to the history of Valentine's Day.

Ranking Organizations  —  If you want to rely on statistical measures, how do you rank a farm system?  It's tough enough to compare two disparate prospects, let alone measure two entire organizations against each other.  For John Burnson's Graphical Player 2007, I tried to overcome …

They're back!  Angels in Tempe Today  —  Moved From the Diaries Thanks to rbrianc  —  There's not much comparable in the baseball season than the first day of spring practice.  I was there with a contingent of Angel Nation when they hit the field this morning (since there were only 5 or 6 of us there …