Dutch pull off second upset to advance  —  Come-from-behind victory in extras eliminates Dominican Republic  —  SAN JUAN, P.R. — The Netherlands pulled off another major upset on Tuesday night, when it came from behind in the 11th inning to beat the Dominican Republic, 2-1, in Game 5 of Pool D play of the World Baseball Classic.

Strong start a ‘sigh of relief’ for Joba  —  Correction of mechanical flaw returns young righty to past form  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The final spot in the Yankees' starting rotation remains Joba Chamberlain's to lose, and a strong performance against the Reds on Tuesday displayed the progress that the organization wanted to see.

Mauer has inflammed lower back, not something more serious.  Twins hope medication is all he needs.  —  The Twins were relieved to learn today that catcher Joe Mauer only has an inflamed sacroiliac joint following an exam on Tuesday in Fort Myers and a meeting this morning with Twins team physician Dr, John Steubs.

Sapp hospitalized following seizures  —  Catching prospect's health issues resurface  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Catching prospect Max Sapp, who suffered a life-threatening illness over the winter, was back in the hospital Wednesday after having two seizures over a nine-hour span.

Rejected nuggets  —  There's another fantastic baseball book available to kick off the baseball season: the Bill James Gold Mine 2009.  This year's Gold Mine follows the same structure as last year's: lots of James' excellent essays on baseball and sabermetrics, as well as 30 individual team sections filled …

Cashman ‘not proactive’ in market  —  Yankees' GM foresees few opportunities to deal for third baseman  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Tuesday that he is “not optimistic” about acquiring another third baseman to fill in for Alex Rodriguez, believing his club can play on with what it has.

Mets like Pudge but . . .  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Mets assistant general manager Tony Bernazard told a Puerto Rican newspaper the Mets have interest in Ivan Rodriguez, but having two catchers under contract has kept them from pursuing the free-agent catcher.

Spring Game 15: Yankees at Tigers  —  YANKEES  —  Pitching today: Some big lefty, CC something.  Then Aceves, Bruney, Veras, Melancon, Jackson.  —  TIGERS  —  Inge 3B  —  Polanco 2B  —  Sheffield DH  —  Hessman 1B  —  Raburn RF  —  Cleven CF  —  Ramirez LF  —  Laird C  —  Everett SS

Cubs manager Lou Piniella promises spot to Kosuke Fukudome  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Kosuke Fukudome stopped by the Cubs' clubhouse Tuesday before working out with Team Japan in Scottsdale.  —  Though ESPN analyst Steve Phillips recently said manager Lou Piniella mishandled the Japanese outfielder …

Boston's moves could pay big dividends  —  Signings of Smoltz, Penny, Baldelli and Saito fill needs without breaking bank  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — One team tried to solve its problems with $423 million worth of free agents.  The other team brought in a bunch of guys who spent about 423 million days in the trainer's room.

Sanchez's exit a chance for others  —  Relievers have better shot as Mets likely to carry seven in bullpen  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Tom Martin carried a glove, a baseball and the boot he had been given to protect his calf as he left the Mets' Spring Training clubhouse Tuesday, not to return until Thursday afternoon.

Rizzo steps up to plate  —  Taming Nationals' disarray is job 1 of acting GM  —  VIERA, Fla. — Mike Rizzo arrives for work every day looking like the most comfortable man around, the events surrounding the Washington Nationals for the past three weeks notwithstanding.

March 10, Yankees vs. Reds  —  Joba Chamberlain finally looked like Joba Chamberlain.  Juan Miranda finally got a big hit.  And Robinson Cano and Damaso Marte are coming back to camp much, much earlier than anyone could possibly have guessed.  Tuesday was quite the day for the Yankees.

Offensive woes continue as Tigers lose again  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Tigers failed to get anything going offensively again, mustering just six hits in a 6-2 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium on Tuesday.  Yes, the potential Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5 hitters in the order are playing …