Countdown to Armaggedon  —  The way people are talking about the Matsuzaka debut, it's as if we're about to witness the prophecy of the Archangel Gabriel's "end of days", or at least the coming of the Nazgul to the American Midwest.  Spring Training has been very exciting and a lot of people …

On Field and at the Plate, Beltrán Has a Hot Start  —  It took five and a third innings for the Mets to finally break through against their former closer, Braden Looper.  And as has been the case this whole opening series, Carlos Beltrán was right in the middle of it.

Rosario expected to bolster Phillies' bullpen  —  PHILADELPHIA — Hoping to bolster a beleaguered bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired hard-throwing right-hander Francisco Rosario from Toronto for cash on Thursday.  —  Rosario was 1-2 with a 6.65 ERA in 17 games with the Blue Jays last year.

MLB investigating K-Rod for doctoring the ball  —  Major League Baseball confirmed Thursday that it is investigating if Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez doctored the baseball during two appearances against the Rangers this week, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

Doctoring The Numbers  —  Charlie Haeger  —  It's no secret that I'm a fan of the knuckleball and the men who throw it.  Among the many clues I have left in my wake, the most obvious is the time I ignored the objections of a few...okay, all of my colleagues, and attached Charlie Zink …

Notes: Loney would welcome trade  —  First baseman not happy about getting sent to Triple-A  —  MILWAUKEE — The season opener for James Loney is Thursday night in Salt Lake City, not exactly where and when he was hoping for.  —  When told Saturday night he was being sent back to the Triple …

Piniella downplays 'Z' outburst  —  CINCINNATI — Cubs manager Lou Piniella already has decided he rather would have his emotional ace, Carlos Zambrano, pitch in a less emotional game than Opening Day to start next season.  —  But aside from that, Piniella said he's withholding judgment …

Exam finds Carpenter's elbow much-improved  —  Chris Carpenter was cleared to begin preparation for his next scheduled start after a meeting with a team doctor late Wednesday night confirmed the swelling had gone down in his right elbow, the Cardinals ace said.

This Hurts Us More Than It Hurts You, Colin  —  As some of you might be unfortunate enough to know, the man pictured here is Colin Cowherd, who has a show on ESPN Radio.  Like many sports radio hosts across this great land, he relies greatly on blogs to find himself some free, juicy content.

Notes: Church, Young adjusting  —  Early defensive miscues prove costly to Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — During the offseason and Spring Training, manager Manny Acta vowed the Nationals would play solid defense in 2007.  But it was pointed out to him Wednesday morning that Ryan Church …

Arenas Out 2-3 Months  —  Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will be out two to three months with a lateral left meniscus tear in his knee.  The injury will require arthroscopic surgery, which will be performed today at Sibley Memorial Hospital by team doctor Marc Connell.