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.

Joba dominates in 'pen debut  —  Right-hander strikes out side on 11 pitches against Jays  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Finally, after a spring of trying to budget himself for the long haul, Joba Chamberlain was allowed to just let it all go.  —  There were no rules to constrain him, no second time around the order to save himself for.

Cleveland Indians' David Dellucci has sore left forearm  —  Port St. Lucie, Fla. — David Dellucci's surgically repaired left hamstring hasn't given him any problems in spring straining.  A sore left forearm has.  —  Dellucci used Tuesday's off day and Wednesday to rest the forearm.

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.

Cabrera extension isn't a lock just yet  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — General manager Ken Williams' plan entering spring training was to lock new shortstop Orlando Cabrera into a multiyear deal that would keep him in a White Sox uniform past the 2008 season.  —  But as of Wednesday, no deal was in place …

Decisions coming for Braves  —  Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Is this thing over yet?  No?  Then we trudge forward.  —  Spring training ain't over, but we can see the figurative whites of the regular season's eyes on the horizon.  You folks ready?  Because I sure as (hey now) know that I am.

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

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.

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 …