U.S. rallies into semis  —  No P.R. nightmare  —  MIAMI - It wasn't quite “Do you believe in miracles?” but for another Team USA on the international stage, it will do.  —  As David Wright's ninth-inning, bases-loaded, opposite-field single landed softly inside the foul line in right field …

A mea culpa  —  Let's get this straight right off the top: I was wrong, way wrong about Pedro Martinez being on the verge of signing as a free agent with the Astros.  —  You come to this site expecting to be informed, entertainined and sometimes amused.  Most of all, you want accurate information …

Sox release Josh Bard  —  Josh Bard's second stint with the Red Sox was even briefer than his first.  —  The Red Sox announced this morning that they have placed the 30-year old catcher on unconditional release waivers, indicating that George Kottaras — a 25-year-old switch-hitter with power …

Aaron Boone of Houston Astros to undergo open heart surgery for valve replacement  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros says he will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.  —  Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college …

Andruw Jones could opt out of minor-league deal with Texas Rangers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Center fielder Andruw Jones had a message from agent Scott Boras on his cellphone when he headed to the clubhouse Tuesday, and the five-time All-Star assumed it was to talk about his future with the Rangers.

Your Opening Day Starter... John Lannan  —  John Lannan is 24 years old.  In 2008, he was a rookie.  In fact, he spent the first days of that season in the minors.  But given how Lannan has performed since — how the team views him as an anchor in its rotation — his latest step is no surprise.

Spring Game 22: Yankees at Astros  —  YANKEES  —  Pitching today: Chien-Ming Wang followed by Brett Tomko, Jose Veras, Phil Coke and Jon Albaladejo.  —  ASTROS  —  Bourn CF  —  Smith 2B  —  Berkman 1B  —  Lee LF  —  Tejada SS  —  Blum DH  —  Johnson 3B  —  Bogusevic 2B  —  Towles C

3 UP: JOBA, MO AND BRUNEY  —  1. In today's Post, I wrote that several Yankee officials confirmed to me that if Mariano Rivera were to go down for an extended period then Joba Chamberlain most likely would be made the closer.  I continue to believe this is the most likely way Chamberlain ends …

Royals sign veteran Ponson to minor-league deal  —  The Royals want to see if veteran right-hander Sidney Ponson has anything left.  Ponson, 32, reached agreement Tuesday with the Royals on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league camp.

James Loney looks to make a bigger contribution  —  First baseman is drawing from the experience of a full season in the major leagues and says his goal this season is to ‘improve on everything.’  —  Reporting from Phoenix — One day recently, the Dodgers' James Loney saw his name circled …

Tom Gorzelanny of Pittsburgh Pirates demoted to Triple-A  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — Left-hander Tom Gorzelanny, one of the Pittsburgh Pirates' top two starters at the beginning of last season, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis in a surprising move Wednesday.