Moose caught in spring trap  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Giving up five runs over two-plus innings is generally a cause for concern for a pitcher.  Unless that outing takes place in the first week of March, of course.  —  To say that Mike Mussina was pleased with his performance against the Astros Monday …

Red Sox mob beats up Yankees fan in Cambridge  —  The official start to the 2008 baseball season is about a month away, but the age-old rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox is already getting ugly.  —  Cantabrigia blog: Share your thoughts  —  A group of men — some with Irish accents …

Lowry walks 9 of 12 batters faced  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP)—Noah Lowry walked nine of the first 12 hitters he faced Monday in the San Francisco Giants' 6-4 loss to the Texas Rangers in 10 innings.  —  Lowry threw 24 pitches before a Texas hitter took a swing.

Run of Bucks broadcasting Cardinals comes to an end  —  For the first time since 1960, there won't be a Buck in a Cardinals broadcast booth this year.  —  Joe Buck, who had been doing the play-by-play for a few Redbirds games on FSN Midwest in recent seasons, has decided not to return …

Notes: Gagne feeling good already  —  Reliever not worried about hand dryness in Ariz. weather  —  PHOENIX — After working a scoreless inning in a “B” game Monday morning, new Brewers closer Eric Gagne was on pace for about 10 appearances this spring.  He said he only needs half that to be ready.

Two on Two: 2008 AL West Preview  —  This week's edition of the annual Two on Two series focuses on the American League West.  We were thrilled with the way last week's discussion on the NL West went, and we think we have assembled a similarly excellent ensemble for readers this week.

The ten worst leadoff hitters since 1957  —  Our buddy Brandon Isleib has done it again!  He's provided me with a spreadsheet chock full o' fascinating stuff.  —  Using the “Batting Orders” feature on Baseball Reference, Brandon compiled every instance since 1957 (because that's as far …

SS Crosby has joined injured back brigade  —  (03-04) 04:00 PST Tempe, Ariz. —  On the same day Eric Chavez made his first clubhouse appearance since having an epidural for his surgically repaired lower back, shortstop Bobby Crosby was scratched after experiencing upper back spasms while fielding grounders Monday.

Ellsbury on the fast track  —  JUPITER, Fla. - He is the next one, the can't-miss kid of Boston sports, the player fans didn't want the Red Sox to trade - even when Johan Santana was on the block.  —  He is Jacoby Ellsbury, maybe the fastest player in Red Sox history, a guy who can score …

Dodgers' Pierre has work cut out for him  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. - Baseball people have always loved Juan Pierre.  If only Dodgers fans liked him now.  —  P.J. Carey had seen a lot of minor-leaguers in his day, managing or coaching them for almost two decades, long enough to know it's next …

Notes: Bonderman changeup for real  —  Righty believes he has developed new pitch for arsenal  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Even Jeremy Bonderman believes the story of him and his changeup sounds like a recurring Spring Training theme.  —  “It's always a big story for me,” Bonderman said.

New Freedom Signee Inks Contract With Yankees  —  FLORENCE, Ky. - The Florence Freedom won't begin the 2008 regular season in independent professional baseball's Frontier League until May 21.  Already, though, one of the Freedom's top newcomers has gotten an opportunity to further his career …

Rolen Enjoying New Address: With Toronto, and Far From La Russa  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Scott Rolen answered a simple question with a question on a sleepy Monday morning.  When Rolen, the Toronto Blue Jays' new third baseman, was asked if he would agree to an interview, he turned from infielder to interrogator.