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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Source: Young has offer from Rangers  —  Shortstop, team won't discuss negotiations for long-term deal  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The sound of silence is deafening.  —  According to a major league source, the Rangers have offered shortstop Michael Young a contract extension …

Top 100 Prospects  —  In his first year at Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein combined his eye for talent, his broad network of sources and his unique blend of skills analysis and performance analysis to bring minor-league coverage to BP.  Now, he synthesizes that information into a complete ranking …

Jimmy Rollins reiterates: Phillies will win NL East  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - He said it.  He meant it.  —  So Jimmy Rollins repeated his proclamation, saying Tuesday that the Phillies - a team that hasn't made the postseason since 1993 - is the team to beat in the National League East.

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.

Yankees refugee Crosby likes camaraderie on Reds  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - When Bubba Crosby walked into the Reds clubhouse at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex for the first time, he saw something he wasn't really used to, guys hugging each other and talking about dinner plans.

Wood moving to third base  —  Position change could help the organization's top power prospect get to the majors faster.  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Speculation turned to reality Wednesday when the Angels began working shortstop Brandon Wood, the organization's best position-playing and power prospect …

Prospectus Today  —  Invitations to the Dance  —  It's fair to say that in my quest to find interesting things to write about, I focus a bit to much on the obscure relative to the obvious.  Certainly, me and a lot of guys who look like me put way too much emphasis on the secondary channels …

LaRoche brings bat, winning attitude  —  New first baseman makes debut Wednesday at Pirate City  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The spotlight has been on Adam LaRoche since a Jan. 19 trade brought him to Pittsburgh from Atlanta, and with it, many expectations were heaped upon him …

Blue-collar pitcher: James back to mound after installing windows  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Need a reliable starting pitcher?  Chuck James is your man.  —  Looking for someone to install a set of double-pane windows or put in a new door?  He can handle that, too.