Alex Rodriguez homers in spring debut for New York Yankees … DUNEDIN, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez was booed, then homered in his first game since admitting he used a banned substance.  —  The New York Yankees slugger started the spring training season with a two-run home run and two walks Wednesday at the Toronto Blue Jays' ballpark.

Washington Nationals 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 American …

3 UP: Sanchez, Met Pen, Cabrera  —  1. The Mets like that Duaner Sanchez came to camp in good shape, which has not always been the case in his Met days.  If Sanchez is right, the Mets will not feel big pressure to put a second lefty reliever in the pen in tandem with Pedro Feliciano.

Heckled A-Rod homers in opener  —  Alex Rodriguez hits a two-run home run in the fourth inning Wednesday ...  DUNEDIN, Fla. - Alex Rodriguez's first road game wasn't quite the rip-fest some had predicted, but the controversial third baseman heard his share of jeers at Dunedin Park.

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 …

Nats strongly considering change  —  The Nationals, according to multiple industry sources, are strongly considering firing general manager Jim Bowden and replacing him with Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava.  —  Bowden has been implicated in a bonus skimming scandal in the Dominican Republic …

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.

Phils tease Rollins; Amaro in market  —  Shortstop ribbed for late arrival; GM following free agents  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Phillies broke into some lighthearted applause during their pregame stretch Wednesday morning at McKechnie Field.  —  Jimmy Rollins arrived to the ballpark a few minutes late …

Economy won't deter Angels' efforts, Arte Moreno says  —  The reigning American League West champs hope to keep filling the seats despite the economic downturn.  Putting a competitive team on the field and catering to longtime fans are among the keys.  —  Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. …

Spring scenes: Reds outfielder goes behind the camera  —  Throughout spring training, USA TODAY will provide a glimpse at the unguarded, unscripted moments of spring training through the eyes of Major League Baseball players.  We have provided handheld video cameras to multiple players, who will capture the untold stories of spring.

NO BOOK BURNING BUT NO PRINTING EITHER  —  If this is too much inside baseball, I apologize, but I am too devastated and outraged to write anything else at the moment.  Major League Baseball, which can't kill steroids, has killed the Red Book and the Green Book.  —  Baseball officials would say the books died of atrophy.

Feierabend having elbow surgery  —  Don't forget to tune in to Geoff Baker Live! coming up at 10 a.m. It's the show where you just never know who will drop on by.  —  File this one under the “uh-oh!” category as the Mariners revealed moments ago that left handed pitcher Ryan Feierabend will undergo elbow surgery.

Piazza coaching for Italy in Classic  —  Former All-Star catcher doing his part to help program grow  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Retired after a standout playing career, Mike Piazza is now serving as a coach and an ambassador for baseball in the World Baseball Classic.

The majesty of Evan Longoria, now available in oil-based paint!  —  “Welcome to Night Stew Gallery.  Tonight's oil-based offering originates from the palette of Tampa artist Justyn Farano.  He paints portraits of athletes.  Famous athletes.  Athletes about whom you might read frequently right here.”

The World Baseball Classic  —  The first pitch of the World Baseball Classic is a week away.  Rosters were announced Tuesday afternoon, making the whole thing a bit more real.  We can now take a look at the players who will be on the field playing for their countries in March and get a sense …

The Washington Nationals Are A Sleeper Team... Sort Of  —  At least if you go by the Vegas over/unders, which have the Nats winning 68.5 games.  I'll take the over on that, as will PECOTA, which has them a surprisingly robust (if still mediocre) 80-82.  —  The Nationals definitely …

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.

Uh-oh.  Green leaves game  —  Sean Green just left the game here in Ft. Lauderdale with two outs in the first inning because of a cut on the middle fingernail of his right hand.  —  After Ty Wigginton punched an RBI single past a diving Luis Castillo, Green started looking at his right hand, and specifically his middle finger.