Alex's Rodriguez's cousin, Yuri Sucart, would do anything for him  —  As far back as anyone can remember, Yuri Sucart was always by Alex Rodriguez's side.  —  Sucart would tell anyone who would listen he was Rodriguez's cousin.  But he was also Rodriguez's best friend, confidant and personal protector.

Griffey returning to Mariners after 9 years  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — It was as difficult a decision as he'd ever had to make in baseball.  —  In the end, Ken Griffey Jr. stuck to what he said 18 months ago and agreed to a one-year contract, worth about $2 million plus incentives, with the Mariners for the 2009 season.

St. Louis Cardinals Pineiro upset with Jose Oquendo decision  —  JUPITER, FLA. — Debate continues over whether Major League Baseball devised the World Baseball Classic as a competition or global marketing opportunity.  —  In the Cardinals' training camp, the tournament has become a flash point.

Francoeur, Braves avoid arbitration  —  Outfielder now can focus on Spring Training, upcoming season  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Jeff Francoeur won't need to board his scheduled flight on Thursday morning.  Nor will he have to experience the arbitration hearing that had seemed destined to take place.

Tampa Bay Rays finalize deal with versatile switch-hitter Willy Aybar  —  Willie Aybar, right, with Jason Bartlett, has shown the Rays that he can handle multiple positions and hit effectively from both sides of the plate, and his work ethic has been a plus.  —  Times]

Young players asked to fill leadership void for Dodgers  —  Russell Martin restrains teammate Manny Ramirez, who argues with Phillies pitcher JC Romero during the National League Championship Series last season.  Martin is one of several young players expected to serve as team leaders in 2009.

Kasten: “I am angry.  We've been defrauded.”  —  For about 20 minutes today, Washington Nationals team president Stan Kasten spoke to the media about the false identity of the prospect formerly known as Esmailyn Gonzalez.  In the coming minutes, as you refresh this blog, a transcript of what he said will grow.

Kendrick takes hard line on PED use  —  D-backs managing general partner decries ‘cheating’ in game  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Ken Kendrick is not afraid to speak from his heart when it comes to the subject of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.  —  That was clear on Wednesday …

Lucchino, Henry in favor of salary cap  —  Red Sox brass address issue of competitive balance for MLB  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Despite their status as a big-market team, the Red Sox's ownership revealed Wednesday that they would be highly in favor of an “enlightened” salary cap …

Rich Rundles has a posse  —  The number of people who care about this is likely equal to the number of people who were excited to see Rich Rundles make the majors last year, but while reading the new edition of the Baseball Prospectus annual, I was a bit put off by this information on their new play-by-play defensive metric:

Mets' Castillo arrives lighter, rejuvenated  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Despite the apologies, and a seemingly heartfelt desire to repair his reputation, Luis Castillo would not be with the Mets if not for a contract that made him impossible to trade this winter.

MLB Power Rankings: Preseason Edition  —  That's right, MLB Power Rankings.  You do know that that means, right?  It means we're only a few short weeks/months (depends on you how you want to look at it, you pessimistic jerk) from starting the 2009 baseball season.

Cubs hope Kosuke Fukudome gets good start—in Japan  —  Fukudome seeks jump-start in Japan  —  MESA, Ariz. — You didn't have to be Bob Woodward to catch this clue.  —  Right there in full view, before the Cubs' first workout Wednesday morning, a pair of athletic shoes sat in front of Kosuke Fukudome's locker.