Still a tough pill to swallow  —  Greenwell resents '80s steroid users  —  Mike Greenwell shakes hands with another ex-Red Sox left fielder, Jim Rice (right), after Greenwell threw out the ceremonial first pitch before yesterday's game against the Mets.  (Charles Krupa/Associated Press)

TAKE IT FROM ME  —  PEDRO HAS NO PROBLEM STEPPING BEHIND JOHAN  —  Willie Randolph hasn't officially named an Opening Day starter yet, so Pedro Martinez did it for him yesterday.  —  Despite another strong simulation and the best health he has enjoyed in years, Pedro conceded …

Ailing Mets will get Castillo back next  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - By Wednesday, there's a strong chance that Moises Alou will be the lone Mets regular still unavailable.  Luis Castillo wants to be the latest rehabbing Met to return to the depleted lineup.  —  The second baseman said he's ready …

Cards seek help on mound  —  JUPITER, FLA. — Four days after Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak downplayed the club's search for additional starting pitching, the club reacted Tuesday to persistent questions about Joel Pineiro's right shoulder by inquiring about free agent Kyle Lohse.

Still batting around those ‘Abstract’ ideas  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - Bill James can, and will, tell you lots of things about baseball that you don't know.  That it doesn't pay, for example, for the Tampa Bay Rays to shift their defense against David Ortiz so that it looks like “a town meeting in right field.”

Janssen out for season with torn labrum  —  Jays' primary setup man learns of results in an MRI on Tuesday  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Blue Jays pitcher Casey Janssen is finished for the season.  An MRI exam revealed that the discomfort Janssen felt in his right shoulder during a bullpen session …

Name The Three Kids, Win DVD Set and Yankees Century Book  —  Update: I have just been informed by a representative of MLB that I am not allowed to give away tickets.  I am sorry for the confusion.  The Yankees Century Book will replace the tickets in the offer.

Injuries leave Texas Rangers' rotation reeling  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — When the Texas Rangers begin the regular season in Seattle on March 31 they will have a healthy starting rotation.  Now, about the guys they planned on being in that rotation, well, that's a different story.

Indians address Salcedo rumors  —  Assistant GM of scouting says club has not signed prospect  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Edward Salcedo has taken on near-mythical status on the Internet in recent months.  —  Some reports are calling the Dominican teenager a five-tool shortstop who could be the next Alex Rodriguez.

Pettitte scratched from start  —  Andy Pettitte has been scratched from his start Wednesday with minor muscle irritation in his left forearm on the outside of the elbow.  —  Manager Joe Girardi heavily emphasized that the ailment is minor.  Pettitte is not being sent for any tests …

Van Slyke steamed over helmet rule  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Andy Van Slyke coached first base, as usual, against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, a split-squad game the Tigers won 5-4 at Joker Marchant Stadium.  —  Among the Tigers' four home runs in the victory were the fourth of the spring for both Pudge Rodriguez and Carlos Guillen.

Piniella wants hitters to start producing  —  Manager may shake up lineup, play regulars more  —  MESA, Ariz. - Derrek Lee isn't concerned about his .125 average in the Cactus League, though manager Lou Piniella is anxious for his regulars to start hitting.  —  “I've had terrible springs and great springs,” Lee said.

Gallardo set for next step  —  He'll throw against minor-leaguers today  —  Phoenix - Yovani Gallardo takes his first significant step this morning in the slow but steady process of rejoining the Milwaukee Brewers' starting rotation.  —  Gallardo, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee …

3 DOWN: Reed Johnson, Blanton and Benitez  —  1. The Mets have inquired with the Blue Jays about righty-hitting outfielders Shannon Stewart and Reed Johnson.  It would seem unlikely that Stewart would be a match for the Mets because he is not suited to play right field …

Inquiry Into Doctor May Link Players to Drugs  —  Prosecutors at the United States attorney's office for the Northern District of California are investigating a California doctor to determine whether he illegally wrote prescriptions for patients, including major league baseball players …

Adjustments work wonders for Wang  —  Yanks' ace avoids overstriding, keeps ball down in strong start  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Those of you holding tickets for the final Opening Day at the current Yankee Stadium, feel free to breathe a hearty sigh of relief.  —  He may not be perfect …