Johnson throws, says arm is `fine'  —  Right-hander Josh Johnson threw Wednesday as he tries to get ready for the season.  Johnson (12-7, 3.10 ERA last season) had irritation in his right biceps/triceps area three weeks ago and was shut down.  —  He reported to spring training Saturday …

SURLY SHEFF  —  GARY: TORRE TOOK FIRE OUT OF ME  —  The blaze in his belly has carried Gary Sheffield from the streets of Tampa to the doorsteps of Cooperstown.  Now, as he moved toward the first base line last October to be introduced with the reserves prior to Game 3 of the ALDS vs …

Mariners Notebook: Unfazed Hargrove's focus is on team, not Ichiro news  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Ichiro Suzuki's revelation that he might explore free agency after the season could have at least two implications for the Mariners clubhouse this year.  —  The season could proceed as if nothing happened.

Notes: Yost picks spring's first starter  —  Vargas gets nod in Cactus kickoff, but who'll go Opening Day?  —  PHOENIX — Brewers manager Ned Yost on Wednesday named a starting pitcher for the team's first game, but it was not the opener most fans are interested in.

Manny had scheduled personal appearance  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Manny Ramirez, who received permission from the Red Sox to report late to spring training for family reasons, was scheduled to attend a car auction in New Jersey on Saturday, according to the promoter of the auction.

Floyd: Willie was confused  —  The ex-Met says Randolph wanted to bunt in Game 7, but bench coach talked him out of it.  —  In the annals of Mets disappointments, last Oct. 19 ranks near the top.  And within that crushing National League Championship Series Game 7 loss to the Cardinals, the bottom of the ninth hurts fans the most.

Ortiz's Salary Now A Bargain  —  But He's Happy With His Deal  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — David Ortiz's daughter, Alexandra, turns 6 next month.  The little girl loves getting presents, according to her Big Papi.  —  "When she sees a new box coming into the house, she's opening the box," Ortiz said.

Where is this man headed?  —  Podsednik's return to 2005 excellence begins in his mind  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — The rehabilitation from surgery for a sports hernia began in early February.  —  The rehab on what Scott Podsednik calls his ''upstairs,'' well, that started right after the 2006 regular season ended.

Belliard-Quick Takes From February 21, 2007  —  Alot has happened today.  Opportunity came my way, and I am taking advantage of it.  So, my first post of the day will not be long.  Just the basics.  —  On a GORGEOUS 78 Degree Sunny Day, the second day of Full Day Workouts for Our Washington Nationals commenced.

O's Benson tries to avoid shoulder surgery, opts for rehab  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kris Benson is making a final, desperate attempt to avoid surgery on his injured right shoulder with aggressive rehabilitation.

October in mind, Wagner adds pitch  —  Split-finger fastball designed to give Mets closer endurance  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — He was involved in the bunt coverage drills and made an impression with his seemingly effortless but powerful throws to bases.  Then, Ambiorix Burgos moved …

60 seconds with Dan Uggla  —  Joe Capozzi spoke about the Daytona 500 with Dan Uggla, the Marlins second baseman who attended the race.  —  How was the Daytona 500?  —  Awesome.  My agent got me tickets.  I went with (Jeremy) Hermida.  It gave me not a new respect for NASCAR drivers …

Cabrera gets richly deserved welcome  —  JUPITER — Miguel Cabrera stopped to sign autographs on his way to his first day of spring training, then opened the clubhouse door to another round of hero worship.  —  The Marlins' All-Star third baseman was mobbed by cheering teammates …

Clayton proud of his longevity  —  Shortstop credits wife for prolonging his baseball career  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Royce Clayton called it self evaluation.  Others might refer to it as resisting temptation.  —  In an era of bulging biceps, Clayton decided that his path to success wasn't via the home run.

Carmona attempting to harness control  —  Young fireballer believes offseason work has solved issues  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — You can hear the ball pop the catcher's mitt long before you see the side field where Fausto Carmona is throwing off the mound.  —  Sometimes sound can be deceiving …