Red Sox threatening Japan boycott if staff isn't paid  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona (center) talks with Sean Casey (left) and Jason Varitek this morning in Fort Myers.  The players are threatening to boycott the trip to Japan if staff isn't paid for the trip.

Castro legging it out  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Ramon Castro's MRI exam revealed a strained right hamstring, but Mets trainers felt good enough about his condition to clear him to catch Mike Pelfrey's six-inning simulated game Tuesday.  Castro, who is apprehensive about running …

Forst says injury concerns a big reason for A's moves  —  Editor's note: This is the third in Jonah Keri's series of Q&As with players and executives from the Cactus League.  Click to read interviews with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes and Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Don't rush him: Rays would be wise to send Longoria back to Durham  —  His time is near, on that we can all agree.  The tricky part is defining near.  ¶  If you are Evan Longoria, then opening day sounds like the nearest thing to heaven.  If you are a Rays fan, after seeing another Longoria home run …

Ten people to avoid at the ballpark  —  I'll probably cover 120 or so games this season.  But I also plan on attending at least four or five as fan.  It's fun to watch a game and not have to worry about coming up with a story afterward.  —  There are few things better than watching a game in person with your buddies.

Marquis plying his trade  —  With 1.93 spring ERA, right-hander could help Cubs one way or another  —  MESA, Ariz. — With his name a regular part of trade rumors, Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis was asked if he had allowed himself to consider some of the possibilities — like, say …

A's notes: Minor-leaguer De Los Santos hits 97 on gun  —  (03-18) 19:52 PDT Surprise, —  Ariz. - Fautino De Los Santos, who might be the real prize in the Nick Swisher deal, made his first appearance for the A's, and several other potential Oakland players also made their spring debuts with the team.

Nationals Have Logjam Up the Middle  —  Barring a trade — and with General Manager Jim Bowden at the controls, that never is a good idea — the Washington Nationals have three players for two positions in the middle infield.  Two of those players — would-be second basemen Ronnie Belliard …

Phillies Notebook: Phillies' Jenkins shows home-run power  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - How momentous was Geoff Jenkins' first home run of the spring?  —  “We know he can hit one now, don't we?” manager Charlie Manuel said.  —  The Phillies were actually well aware of that fact when they signed …

Phillies' Hamels commands attention in strong spring outing  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Take a deep breath.  Relax.  Cole Hamels didn't forget how to throw his changeup.  In fact, he's still pretty darn good at it.  —  Yesterday afternoon, against one of the top up-and-coming lineups in the game …