Limiting Young Pitchers Puzzles Mussina  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In his first full professional season, 1991, Mike Mussina threw 210 innings.  The next season, he threw 241 and made the All-Star team for the Baltimore Orioles.  —  Mussina is 39 years old, and he has never needed arm surgery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Regrets?  Yankees May Have One  —  The Yankees have made two major decisions since the end of last season that they could come to regret this season.  Last October there was Joe Torre; more recently there was Johan Santana.  —  As I see it, the decision to offer Torre a one-year …

Ryan Braun adjusting to new home in LF, popularity after NL ROY award  —  PHOENIX (AP)—Ryan Braun plopped down at a clubhouse table next to some minor leaguers for a breakfast feast.  It was the glazed doughnut that grabbed his teammates' attention and led to a little harassment about his figure.

Notes: Coaches adjusting to helmets  —  Equipment now mandatory in wake of Coolbaugh death  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Apparently Luis Rivera and Joel Skinner are getting used to the idea of having to wear a helmet this season.  —  After all, both of the Tribe's base coaches were donning …

Velez brings speed to bases, fielding  —  Giants infielder building a case for role as super-utilityman  —  MESA, Ariz. — The most intriguing player in camp gave the Giants more to contemplate.  —  Eugenio Velez left the Giants' 8-6 exhibition victory over the Chicago Cubs before the bottom …