Washington Nationals to fire special assistant Jose Rijo in wake of prospect age scandal  —  The Washington Nationals have decided to fire special assistant Jose Rijo and will shut down the team's academy in the Dominican Republic as part of a restructuring of the team's operations in Latin America …

Mr. October gives A-Rod a sitdown  —  Yankees legend lends advice to oft-discussed slugger  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — There's nothing like a stern lecture from Mr. October to help a troubled friend focus on the priorities of life and career when enormous distractions are closing in and his reputation is crumbling.

Gardner savors unlikely home run  —  Competing outfielder goes deep with young son in attendance  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — A Yankee belted an important home run over the fence on Wednesday at Dunedin Stadium, one that he will never forget.  And it had nothing to do with Alex Rodriguez.

Opener odds and ends  —  FORT LAUDERDALE — Some tidbits after Luis Castillo and Ryan Church combined for four hits and seven RBIs in the Mets' 9-3 win here over the Orioles in the Grapefruit League opener for both teams:  —  * Jerry Manuel's introduction of an intense …

Dodgers make two-year offer to Manny Ramirez  —  The deal calls for $25 million this season and $20 million for the next — providing the slugger chooses to exercise the second-year option.  —  Reporting from Mesa, Ariz. — The Dodgers have made another offer to Manny Ramirez …

Ozzie Guillen comes alive as manager of Chicago White Sox  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — As sure as the sun rises in the east and Ozzie Guillen rises in a talkative mood, it will happen.  —  At some point this season, Guillen will talk about retiring, going home to Miami and living the good life.

Pedro brings heat in simulated game  —  Free-agent starter preparing to pitch for Dominican team  —  Free-agent pitcher Pedro Martinez is staying busy.  —  The three-time Cy Young Award winner threw a simulated game on Tuesday in the Dominican Republic and is on track to start …

Bonser's injury was worse than expected; season likely over UPDATED  —  Doctors today found a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff in Boof Bonser's right shoulder, leading to more extensive repairs than what was first thought.  —  Bonser is out at least six months, but probably the whole season.

One down . . .  FT. MYERS, Fla. — The seriousness of the game was decided when Ino Guerrero — a 48-year-old batting practice pitcher — pinch hit during the latter innings.  But that's beside the point: the Red Sox are now playing baseball games again.  —  The Sox beat Boston College …

MLB scraps printed versions of team media guides  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has eliminated an annual tradition: printed copies of the green and red books.  —  The guides to the National and American leagues started publication in the 1930s and have been an invaluable research tool for media.

Prior determined to make it back  —  Former star pitcher continues comeback bid with Padres  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — He can move almost seamlessly from clubhouse to bullpen, unnoticed by those who are busying doing the same.  This suits Mark Prior perfectly fine.