The Excerpts From “Vindicated” About Alex Rodriguez  —  Ever since Joe Lavin announced he'd bought a copy of Jose Canseco's Vindicated earlier today, people — OK, some people — have been curious what EXACTLY Canseco said.  After the jump, the selections from Vindicated concerning Alex Rodriguez.

Brewers release Vargas  —  Phoenix - In a somewhat surprising move and a definite commitment toward youth, the Brewers just released veteran right-hander Claudio Vargas.  —  The move paves the way for two young pitchers, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva, to make the starting rotation, along with Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush.

Sosa may get rotation shot  —  Struggles by Pelfrey, Hernandez open door for righty  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jorge Sosa temporarily became an effective solution for a rotation problem the Mets developed in May.  For five weeks, the castaway right-handed pitcher provided consistent performances …

Red Sox survive shaky outing from Dice-K to win opener … TOKYO — If butterflies the size of Mothra fluttered inside Daisuke Matsuzaka's gut Tuesday, it would be understandable.  —  After all, he was only the Opening Day starter for the defending world champions.  And he was pitching in his hometown.

Pettitte's 2008 debut pushed back  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Andy Pettitte will miss his first scheduled start of the regular season on April 2 against Toronto because of back spasms.  —  New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi expects Pettitte will start the third or fourth game instead.

Congress questions whether Clemens lied  —  The Roger Clemens vs. Brian McNamee dispute over whether the seven-time Cy Young Award winner took performance-enhancing drugs has become a feud between Republicans and Democrats.  —  Reprising the partisan nature of last month's Clemens-McNamee …

Padres pick up Black's option  —  PEORIA, ARIZONA (TICKER) —The San Diego Padres on Tuesday exercised their 2009 contract option on manager Bud Black, who last season guided the team to its best record in nearly a decade.  —  Black, 50, made his managerial debut with the Padres last year and posted an 89-74 record.

MLB Transactions  —  View by team:  —  TEAM  —  Agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson, who had been with the Toronto Blue Jays, on a one-year contract; optioned outfielders Sam Fuld and Eric Patterson to Iowa of the Pacific Coast League (AAA); assigned pitcher Les Walrond …

Cubs, outfielder Reed Johnson agree to one-year contract  —  Additionally, Cubs announce fifth round of roster cuts; Place right-hander Angel Guzman on 60-day disabled list  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs today announced the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year contract.

Pelfrey looking like Mets' fifth starter  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets decisionmakers appear set to overlook top pitching prospect Mike Pelfrey's poor spring and name him the No. 5 starter in coming days, sources said.  Club officials will gather here Wednesday, but the momentum is strong …

Gibby's 1.12 ERA: 40 years later  —  JUPITER, Fla. — On his way to changing baseball history, Bob Gibson was willing to break baseball tradition.  —  During one particularly low-scoring game in 1968, the Cardinals' opponent had runners on first and third bases with no outs.

From Wright to Cabrera: The top 50 for five years … This winter, I made lists of the top players at each position over the next five seasons (2008 to 2012).  Mistakes were made, readers were horrified and corrections were issued.  With that experience to guide me, I've now combined …

Padres, Rays Interested In Jeremy Reed  —  According to John Hickey of the Seattle PI, the Padres and Rays are eyeing Mariners center fielder Jeremy Reed.  Hickey notes that the Padres have renewed interest and have liked him for quite a while.  And he wonders whether Rays would surrender a young pitcher.