Pelfrey delivers  —  Phenom takes latest step to earning spot  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Mike Pelfrey intended to spend Monday's off-day in Key Largo, but unimpressed with the view, he continued to Key West.  "It didn't look very nice, so we just kept driving an extra 70, 80 miles, whatever," Pelfrey said.

Nats' Bullpen Could Be Working OT  —  Acta Formulating Plan to Spell His Starting Pitchers  —  John Patterson is unquestionably the Washington Nationals' top starting pitcher, and yet in 58 starts since arriving in a trade prior to the 2004 season, he has averaged less than six innings an outing.

Playing time no idle chatter for White Sox  —  Guillen worries that Mackowiak will get rusty in early going  —  PHOENIX — Ozzie Guillen will face a tough task finding playing time for Rob Mackowiak during the first two weeks of the regular season.  The White Sox have three off days ... and a crowded outfield.

Manny being un-Manny: Opens up says he's 'going to be fine here'  —  FORT MYERS - Life must be pretty good in Manny World.  Not only is he back to his goofy exploits, selling a gas grill on eBay, but he was so loose yesterday that he decided to chat on the record.  —  That's right, Manny talked.

Rotation insurance quite pleasing  —  Rookie Jimenez, Lawrence making good impressions  —  TUCSON - Brian Lawrence and Ubaldo Jimenez most likely will claim a spot in the Rockies rotation this season.  It just isn't likely to happen for either by Opening Day.

The Riddle  —  With an array of pitches as sublime and mesmerizing as haiku, $100 million import Daisuke Matsuzaka could tip the American League balance of power to the Red Sox — and explode the old myths about pampering pitchers  —  The cherubic face of Daisuke Matsuzaka bears a mysterious contentment …

Howard taking swing at producing powerful sequel  —  Clearwater, Fla. - The birthplace of Hooters remains overshadowed by homers.  This is the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard, the reigning National League MVP.  Ice pack on his sore left quad, smile on his face …

Reliever Shuey pushing on despite injury … PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. // Though conceding that he probably has no shot at making the team out of spring training, Orioles reliever Paul Shuey will keep pitching in 2007 for as long as his body allows.  —  Shuey, who sprained the plantaris tendon …

Notes: Benitez, Julio eyed in deal  —  Marlins trying to land veteran reliver before Opening Day  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Pursuing trade options for a closer remains a real possibility for the Marlins.  —  Sources continue to say the team has interest in veterans Armando Benitez and Jorge Julio.

Cubs to start with Floyd on bench  —  While Achilles' heals, Murton will start year in left  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Cliff Floyd will be coming off the bench to start the season, a move the Cubs hope will give him more time to heal his surgically repaired left Achilles'.

Hot A-Rod to Angels Trade Info  —  The LA Times and Riverside Press Enterprise are both reporting that Jered Weaver will start the season on the disabled list, but it will be a short stay.  —  Weaver is penciled in for his turn in the rotation on April 12.  His April 6th start will be taken by Dustin Moseley.

The spring competition goes on  —  WASHINGTON - Spring training is about competition for jobs.  That's especially true for us.  —  Whomever wins the starting positions for the Nationals at first base, left field, center field and in the rotation will face strong competition all season.

Sox' Timlin to start season on DL: Door opens for Tavarez  —  FORT MYERS - The Red Sox [team stats]' Opening Day closer picture became a little clearer yesterday when the decision was made to have Mike Timlin [stats] open the season on the disabled list.  —  Red Sox forum:

Credit Rangers' Tejeda with a save  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Right-handed starter Robinson Tejeda knew his Tuesday outing was important.  —  He surprised pitching coach Mark Connor by showing up for extra bullpen work between his last start and this one.