Sources: Good chance Alex Rodriguez can play with injury for New York Yankees … Hip surgery is the worst-case scenario for Alex Rodriguez, but the specialist who examined the Yankees' third baseman earlier this week indicated there is a very good chance that Rodriguez could play the whole season with the labrum tear, sources say.

Heightened pressure now heaped on Teixeira  —  So Alex Rodriguez embarks on an uncertain course.  The Yankees don't know if he'll be available Opening Day or in May.  They don't know if he'll be available next week.  His intention is to prepare and play each day until his hip …

Korea makes grand statement in rout  —  Six-run first inning more than enough to down Chinese Taipei  —  TOKYO — Right-fielder Jin Young Lee belted a grand slam to cap a six-run first inning, and Keun Woo Jeong blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the sixth to give Team Korea …

Gagne to see Dr. Yocum, Crew season likely over  —  Eric Gagne will see noted orthopedist Lewis Yocum in Tempe, Ariz. on Saturday for a second opinion on his injured right shoulder.  Whether or not Gagne opts for surgery, it appears extremely unlikely that he'll win a spot on the Brewers' big league roster.

One Cancellation, One New Deal For Caliendo  —  TBS cancels ‘Frank TV’ while Fox Sports re-ups his NFL deal  —  It is good news and bad news for comedian Frank Caliendo.  —  TBS will not be bringing back his sketch comedy series Frank TV for another season, but he has a signed a new deal …

Bittersweet parting  —  Geoff Geary is coming off a career year, but it took his being dealt from a team that won it all  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The emotions swirled through Geoff Geary's head as if they were in a blender.  There was bitterness and happiness, even a little bit of envy.

CUBS IN BRIEF: Lou says he could use extra IF  —  LAS VEGAS — Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles are locks for at least a platoon at second base.  Ryan Theriot will get most of the looks at shortstop.  Fontenot and Miles can fill in at short and third.  —  But something doesn't add …

Lineups  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Other than the fact that Josh Beckett is pitching against his old team, there's not a lot of news coming out of Red Sox spring training this morning.  But we do have lineups.  (No Hanley Ramirez, though.)  —  Brad Penny will get his shoulder checked out by Dr. Tom Gill, who just arrived in Florida.

The wait is over!  The mailbag comes through  —  Jack from Swarthmore, Pa., e-mailed Wednesday just to say, “69 days! 69 days since your last mailbag!  You're killin' me!  For god sakes, I went through finals without a fresh mailbag to sink my teeth into.  Over 1,500 hours of mailbag-less time.

Baker trying to get the right fit  —  When writers arrived at the media work room Thursday morning, Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker was seated at a table with a guy selling suits - expensive suits, I presume.  —  The guy is here every spring and players wander in to check out his goods, too.

Strange morning here at Phoenix Muni and Duchscherer update  —  Generally, reporters meet with manager Bob Geren at 9:15 a.m. when the team starts stretching.  It's nearly 10:30, still no sign of Geren, and Bobby Crosby didn't come out to stretch until after 10, so more than 45 minutes after the rest of the team.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo cleared to play in World Baseball Classic  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Shin-Soo Choo has been cleared by South Korea to play in the World Baseball Classic, though a sore left arm will limit him to designated hitter duties only in the first round.