Rivera ‘no doubt’ for opener  —  Closer Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches in his first spring training batting practice session today.  He will throw BP again Saturday then likely will make his first exhibition appearance early next week.  —  Rivera had surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder last Oct. 7.

Nats' assistant GM discusses increased role since Bowden's resignation  —  Last Wednesday, the Nationals decided that their general manager position will remain vacant for the foreseeable future.  —  However, assistant general manager Mike Rizzo has principal responsibilities when it comes …

Who are these guys?  Meet the Dutch  —  World getting familiar with players from The Netherlands  —  Astute baseball fans remember Randall Simon, they've heard of Sidney Ponson, and they might even know about Gene Kingsale's seven-year stint in the Major Leagues that ended in 2003.

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.

METS CUT SANCHEZ; MANUEL BLINDSIDED BY MOVE  —  VIERA, Fla. - Jerry Manuel's body language betrayed him yesterday.  —  The Mets manager obviously wasn't happy with GM Omar Minaya's abrupt decision to release reliever Duaner Sanchez just hours before Sanchez was scheduled to pitch here.

Francoeur's new approach starts to produce  —  Clearwater, Fla. — So far this spring, Jeff Francoeur's new hitting approach had produced line drives, no strikeouts, and a few kudos from hard-to-please teammate Chipper Jones.  —  But not many hits.  —  That made Wednesday more satisfying for Francoeur …

Clemens reportedly injected at Yankee Stadium … NEW YORK (AP) — Brian McNamee says he injected Roger Clemens with drugs at the Yankee Stadium hot tub and that among the needles he gave government investigators was one he used to inject the pitcher in 2001, according to the Web site sportsimproper.com.

60 seconds with Marlins pitcher Andrew Miller  —  Staff writer Joe Capozzi spoke with Marlins left-hander Andrew Miller about his visit to Lion Country Safari last month.  —  Was that your first visit to Lion Country Safari?  —  First time.  My dad is from South Florida.  He said it was a big deal when it opened.

MLB investigates alleged DR age discrepancies  —  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Major League Baseball is investigating more than 40 cases involving Dominican Republic prospects suspected of lying about their age upon signing professional contracts, according to the league's vice president of international affairs.

Teen bopper  —  Vegas high schooler makes powerful impression  —  He's only 16, but Bryce Harper already has power as imposing as the mountains behind him.  —  LAS VEGAS - Standing on home plate, on a diamond on the edge of the desert, Las Vegas High School assistant baseball coach Harry Traynor shakes …

CHAMBERLAIN KICKS SPRING SLUMP  —  TAMPA - Pitching coach Dave Eiland took care of a mechanical fault in Joba Chamberlain's left leg.  More importantly, Jorge Posada, Jose Molina and Andy Pettitte put their cleats into Chamberlain's backside.  —  “It's great to have teammates like that who can call …

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.

Reed on the A's: “Our Odds are Better than 50-50”  —  San Jose may be finally getting into the big league baseball business.  —  The city will hold their first official discussion about the possibility of bringing the Oakland Athletics baseball team to San Jose.