John Patterson Released [With Update]  —  Dave Sheinin reports from Viera that the Nationals have released right-hander John Patterson.  —  Patterson, the Nationals' Opening Day starter in 2007, was limited to 15 starts in 2006 and '07 because of a series of nerve problems in his right arm and elbow.

Sox touch down safely … Good morning, America!  The Red Sox [team stats] have landed!  —  The Red Sox' charter flight to Japan for their seven-day visit - which will feature two exhibition games and the first two games of their 2008 World Series title defense - touched down safely in Tokyo at 12:16 a.m. Friday morning.

Time running out on Lofton's '08 hopes  —  Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005.  He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX.  —  add this  —  Kenny Lofton is frustrated.  Four times since 2002, a contender has wanted him badly enough to trade for him.

New deal is set for Wainwright  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.  • The Cardinals' opening day starter and present-day ace Adam Wainwright is expected to sign a long-term contract today with the club that assures his place in its future.  —  The Cardinals plan to finalize and announce …

Management undecided on Longoria  —  Financial aspects might matter in prospect's future in Majors  —  ST. PETERSBURG — A decision must be made on Evan Longoria in the near future.  And all the Rays' top prospect has done this spring is play like a top prospect.

False start: Joba back to bullpen  —  TAMPA - Throw the rules out the window.  Joba Chamberlain is headed back to the bullpen.  —  Chamberlain, who achieved cult-hero status last season with his two-month stint as Mariano Rivera's setup man, received the news Wednesday during a meeting …

Marlins' Willingham out to improve against lefties  —  One of the National League's best and one of its worst hitters against left-handed pitching in 2007 are Marlins.  —  Beginning Opening Day, Hanley Ramirez and Josh Willingham, respectively, hope to prolong and reverse the trends.

2008 AL East EWSL Report  —  The third of six division previews, using Established Win Shares Levels as a jumping-off point.  Today: The AL East.  Notes on the EWSL method are below the fold.  —  Key: + (Rookie) * (Based on one season) # (Based on two seasons)  —  The Hated Yankees

Reds reassign Bruce to Minors camp  —  Top-ranked outfield prospect will begin season in Triple-A  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Reds outfield prospect Jay Bruce got the news on Thursday he hoped he wouldn't get this spring.  —  Manager Dusty Baker and general manager Wayne Krivsky informed …

Spring Training: Morgan/McLouth competition may not be either/or situation  —  Yankees pitcher Billy Traber misses the tag, allowing Ryan Doumit to score from third last night.  The Yankees won the first night game at McKechnie Field, 12-9.  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Pirates management …

What are their options?  —  As Major League Baseball's 2008 Spring Training begins to (mercifully) wind down, we are faced with six interesting stories related to players who are out of options.  —  To dumb down a complicated process: Clubs who have used up the three (and sometimes four) …

Randolph unsure if Sanchez will be available for Opening Day  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Mets manager Willie Randolph made his strongest comments to date suggesting reliever Duaner Sanchez will not be on the Opening Day roster.  —  “Is he on the borderline of not being able to break with us?”

Tina Cervasio joins MSG, MSG Plus  —  As expected, MSG announced the hiring of Tina Cervasio, late of NESN, as a host/reporter for MSG and MSG Plus.  —  She will co-shot “MSG, NY” and be a sideline reporter for Red Bulls games, among other things.

Jays holding Ryan out of games  —  Toronto closer may not be ready to go by Opening Day  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — B.J. Ryan's goal of returning to the Blue Jays' bullpen in time for Opening Day may have been a little too optimistic.  With less than two weeks remaining in the spring slate …