Nats' Zimmerman avoids arbitration  —  Third baseman agrees to one-year deal with Washington  —  VIERA, Fla. — Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million deal early Friday morning.  —  Zimmerman's arbitration hearing was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

Primobolan, drug Alex Rodriguez used, not available for legal purchase in the Dominican Republic  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — According to the official in charge of the agency which regulates pharmaceutical drugs in the Dominican Republic, Primobolan was not available for legal purchase …

Milledge gives Dunn No. 44, changes to No. 85  —  VIERA, Fla. (AP) — There's a new Ocho Cinco in pro sports: Washington Nationals outfielder Lastings Milledge is switching to No. 85 after relinquishing his career-long No. 44 to new teammate Adam Dunn.  —  Milledge, who wore No. 44 with the Mets …

After Griffey: Spurned Braves try to move on  —  Buzz up!  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP)—The Atlanta Braves emerged from the dugout as though it was just another spring training day.  The pitchers headed to the mound.  The hitters wandered in and out of the cage, taking their swings.

Marte designated as Tribe trades for Salas  —  Well, you knew the Andy Marte Era would come to an end sooner or later here in camp, and it didn't take long.  —  The Indians traded for RHP Juan Salas today, sending Minor League INF Isaias Velasquez to the Rays.  —  Salas, 30, was designated for assignment by the Rays on Friday.

MLB union bears share of burden  —  Donald Fehr, executive director of the MLB players' association, seems to have underestimated the effect steroid use would have on the legitimacy of players' achievements.  —  Bud Selig, the commissioner of baseball, has begun his offensive against the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Braun sheds light on fashion venture  —  Brewers star distributes new line of hot-selling T-shirts  —  PHOENIX — He's a long way from New York's Fashion Week, but Ryan Braun was roaming the Brewers clubhouse this week distributing his new line of T-shirts, looking and sounding like Milwaukee's answer to Marc Jacobs.

Royals' Guillen out after removing ingrown nail himself  —  Royals outfielder José Guillen expects to return to full-time drills, perhaps by this weekend, after easing the pain in his right big toe by yanking out a severely ingrown nail.  —  The nail was only a slight irritant Monday …

New Stage for Japan's Rising Pitching Star  —  NAGO, Japan — On the first day of spring training here, Yu Darvish christened the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' 2009 camp by throwing 125 pitches from a bullpen mound.  That was 15 more than Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs threw to no-hit the Astros …

Announcing the BP 2009 Book Tour  —  It's that time of year again, when we happy BPers don pilgrim rags and come visit your hometown.  Break out the absinthe, the doilies, and hide the good silver because we're comin' over for dinner... but not a performance-enhancing dinner.

Wrapping up the day in Tampa  —  First a little news:  —  · Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras won't be going to the WBC.  They didn't even know they were on the provisional roster.  —  · Damaso Marte (hamstrings) won't be running for at least the rest of the week.

Soriano staying put as leadoff man  —  Cubs slugger may drop down in spring as Piniella tinkers  —  MESA, Ariz. — Alfonso Soriano is back in the Cubs' leadoff spot.  —  Actually, Soriano never left.  On Monday, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he was going to drop Soriano down in the order …

Utley optimistic about Opening Day  —  Phillies star feeling no pain in surgically repaired right hip  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Chase Utley looks around the Bright House Field clubhouse, sees players like Ryan Howard and Brett Myers at least 20 pounds lighter than last season and considers it a good sign.

Rockies' pitcher Francis likely out for year  —  TUCSON — Rockies pitcher Jeff Francis expects his season to be over before it starts.  Francis will undergo exploratory surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday in Denver, he said here today.  —  The surgery is expected to sideline him between 6-12 months …

Rays news and notes  —  Loss of the day  —  Troy Percival found out someone broke into his Riverside, Calif., home and stole the TVs, his golf clubs and a 1955 Ford truck he spent three years restoring.  “They're going to have to sell it for pieces because everyone knows what it looks like,” he said.

Braves, Glavine reach agreement  —  Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Veteran left-hander Tom Glavine will be back with the Braves after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract that includes a $1 million base salary and up to $3.5 million in incentives, according to two people familiar with the situation.

A-Rod's pal, the tainted trainer: Steroid-linked friend is banned by every MLB team  —  Embattled Yankee Alex Rodriguez has had a long relationship with a steroid-linked trainer who's been banned from major league clubhouses, four independent sources told the Daily News.

Prospect sorry for withholding identity  —  Shortstop's real name is Lugo and he understated his age  —  VIERA, Fla. — Stanley King, the agent for Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, previously thought to be Esmailyn Gonzalez, spoke to his client via telephone Wednesday night and said the Nationals prospect …