Beckett leaves game after back spasms flare up  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Josh Beckett's back went into spasm while warming up for Saturday's spring training game.  The Boston Red Sox ace left without facing a Florida Marlins batter.  —  Beckett seemed to lose his footing on his last warmup pitch …

Cervelli injured and Girardi is furious  —  The look on Joe Girardi's face said plenty.  Then he had plenty to say about the play in the ninth inning when Tampa Bay's Elliot Johnson rolled into Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli.  —  “I think it's uncalled for in spring training.

Nats renew Zimmerman's contract  —  Washington hopes to sign third baseman to multiyear deal  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Nationals renewed the contract of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on Saturday.  He will make $465,000 for the 2008 season.  —  Zimmerman said he doesn't have any hard feelings toward the Nationals.

Rays-Yankees: The Live Blog  —  It's windy and 62 here at Legends Field as the Yankees get set to face the Plain Old Rays.  —  It'll be Mike Mussina vs. Matt Garza.  Today's game is on YES and WCBS so you shouldn't need me to provide many details.  But I'll chime in from time to time.

The Shanks Report - March 7  —  Here's the latest from Braves Spring Training at Disney.  —  * Sources have told The Braves Show.com that a trade involving Scott Thorman this spring is very possible.  The Braves are considering their other options for first base, including Mark Kotsay …

Rivera's a Closer With an Open Heart  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The dollars were staggering, the richest deal for a closer, the reward for a decade of sterling service and the lightning still left in his right arm.  —  But the money was the least important part of Mariano Rivera's November.

Four down, 35 to go  —  The Yankees sent four pitchers to the minor-league camp before the game:  —  Daniel McCutchen (one scoreless inning in spring training)  —  Steven Jackson (one scoreless inning)  —  Steven White (six earned runs in three innings)  —  Scott Strickland (injured/didn't pitch)

Position fight pains Coco  —  CF: I've played hurt  —  FORT MYERS - The sore groin and the root canal that have sidelined him since March 2 seemed painful enough.  But it is discomfort of another sort that is of even greater concern to Coco Crisp [stats].

Set to pay a princely price tag  —  Attanasio aims to keep Fielder in Milwaukee  —  Phoenix - Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said Friday that he did not think Prince Fielder's unhappiness with his current contract would affect the slugging first baseman's relationship with the club in the future.