Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers complete $45M, 2-year deal … LOS ANGELES — The winter of discontent in Mannywood is over.  —  Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers officially agreed Wednesday on a $45 million, two-year contract that keeps him with the NL West champions.

A-Rod's hip problem not new  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The problem with Alex Rodriguez's right hip was not a spring training revelation.  A-Rod's condition dates to last season, when manager Joe Girardi said “he had some minor issues” with it.  —  On Wednesday, the Yankees remained hopeful …

New stance is on tap  —  After dismal '08, Varitek changes  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dave Magadan first wanted Jason Varitek to alter his lefthanded batting stance two years ago, a notion met with resistance by a proud man.  Varitek's style - tapping his front foot for timing …

Japan opens WBC title defense with shutout of China  —  TOKYO — Japan began the defense of its title with a 4-0 win over China in Thursday's opening game of the World Baseball Classic.  —  Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki went hitless in five at-bats but Shuichi Murata homered …

The Special, Electric And Great Jordan Zimmermann  —  This spring, Jordan Zimmermann has thrown five innings — just enough time to make a strong impression, and still not enough time to find a major league hitter who can reach base against him.  This afternoon, Zimmermann …

Rivera and Matsui on the way back  —  Two guys with importance to the Yankees' season are on the comeback trail today: Hideki Matsui and Mariano Rivera.  —  Matsui is in the lineup for the Yankees today against Team Canada.  He's actually getting in there with a little more time before Opening …

Three's Company  —  The expressions on the faces of Manny Acta, Mike Rizzo and Stan Kasten on Sunday after the resignation of Jim Bowden told a vivid story.  They ranged from relief to smiles.  No tears for sure.  Seldom have three men been so at peace with a colleague blowing up.

A Stupid Position Battle: Yankees Right Field, or, How Much Better Would the Yankees Be With Manny Instead of The Swish?  —  OK, I wasn't planning on posting something like this, and maybe the issue is just that I like Nick Swisher, and blah blah blah.  But while I no longer live in New York …

MIKE PIAZZA: HIS BAT AND HIS BACK  —  Baseball writers spend a lot of time in press boxes together, and the close and frequent proximity does not always foster positive relationships.  For example, Joel Sherman of the New York Post and I do not have any kind of relationship.  We have not talked for years.

James Shields to start opener for AL champion Tampa Bay Rays  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Rays manager Joe Maddon didn't wait to watch Tampa Bay's best pitchers in spring training.  He picked right-hander James Shields on Wednesday as the team's Opening Day starter.  —  Shields

Oakland Athletics pitcher Justin Duchscherer to seek second opinion on elbow  —  PHOENIX — Oakland Athletics pitcher Justin Duchscherer will get a second opinion on his sore right elbow, and it was uncertain whether he'd be ready to begin the season.  —  “His Opening Day start is definitely in jeopardy …