Helton weighing in on hefty issue  —  Tucson - Weight and see.  Welcome to Todd Helton's experiment this season.  —  Helton, mindful of critics and eager to rejuvenate his career, underwent a radical physical transformation, bulking up from his sickness-induced 200 pounds to approximately 230.

Peterson helps 'lost' pitcher gain new direction  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — When Oliver Perez arrived in New York last season, he admitted that he was lost.  The simplest solution was for Rick Peterson to provide a map.  —  "If someone says to you, 'I'm lost,' what would be the first thing that you would respond?"

Prior to start spring training game Monday  —  MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Oft-injured Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior was pushed up to start next Monday in a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners.  —  After the team worked out Monday, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Prior will pitch in Chicago's fifth exhibition game.

Q&A transcript  —  Greg Genske, one of Manny Ramirez's agents, met with reporters after Manny reported this morning.  Here's a transcript (with some comments from Gene Matos, Manny's other agent, further below):  —  Why is Manny here today?  —  "He was ready to report, and he's excited to be here."

Minor Leagues  —  Edgardo Alfonzo joins Ducks  —  Add former Mets All-Star Edgardo Alfonzo to the flock of Ducks who see the Long Island team in the independent Atlantic League as a stepping stone back to the majors.  —  The popular infielder known as "Fonzie" yesterday was acquired …

Lineup protection is up for debate  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Welcome to the No. 5 spot in the Phillies' batting order, the latest battleground in baseball's ongoing struggle between traditionalists and statistical reformers.  —  Phillies general manager Pat Gillick, representing the old school …

A taste of the Mets  —  Players trade in gloves, bats for bowls, spoons  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — In a Mets camp that has been mostly serene and routine, Sunday certainly was the most stirring day.  Spoons replaced bats, bowls were used in place of balls.  And Paul Lo Duca abandoned his chest protector in favor of an apron.

Future Mets outfielders show promise  —  Prospect Martinez displays extraordinary power at young age  —  Hot topic: He is listed at 6 feet and 180 pounds.  The height may be a bit generous.  When Fernando Martinez swings, though, he looks significantly taller.

Mets promote Pelfrey ability  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - You go from one side of the state to the other, from the Yankees to the Mets, and after watching Phil Hughes wow onlookers in Tampa, it felt important to see Mike Pelfrey as soon as possible.  —  It's the year of the phenoms, after all.

Torre: Abreu injury doesn't open door for Bernie  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees right fielder Bobby Abreu is expected to miss at least two weeks after straining his right oblique during batting practice Monday, an injury manager Joe Torre said won't cause the team to make a new push for Bernie Williams to report.

Prospect Smackdown: Cameron Maybin Vs. Jay Bruce  —  Prospect Smackdown: Cameron Maybin vs. Jay Bruce  —  Background and Intangibles  —  Maybin: Maybin was the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft, picked out of high school in Asheville, North Carolina by the Tigers.

Welcome Indianapolis Indians Fans  —  Hello everyone!  I'm Nancy, and I'll be writing about the Indianapolis Indians, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I've been an Indy Indians fan for many years, and I'm looking forward to telling you about the Indians' players and games …

Colon progressing slowly from shoulder injury  —  Bartolo Colon's rehabilitation from a rotator-cuff tear is on schedule, but that schedule likely won't allow him to pitch in a major league game until May.  —  Manger Mike Scioscia said Sunday that Colon was "unlikely" to pitch in a Cactus League game this spring.

Mariners Notebook: Mariners look to lock up Lopez  —  All-Star 2B made just above league minimum last season  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — The Mariners are trying to sign second baseman Jose Lopez to a long-term contract extension.  —  Lopez's agent, Martin Arburua, is in Peoria and meeting with Mariners officials.