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.  General manager Theo Epstein indicated that Bard's departure means …

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 …

You can Wright it down, USA is in semis  —  Americans put up dramatic three-run rally in ninth to beat Puerto Rico  —  MIAMI — Chants of “USA!  USA!  USA!” rang through Dolphin Stadium as Team USA players piled on David Wright near second base.  —  The calendar may say March …

Pirates send Gorzelanny to Minors  —  Former staff ace optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates announced two cuts from big league camp early on Wednesday morning, then three more after the game against the Twins, and one comes as a bit of a surprise.

New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui won't play in field until at least June  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Hideki Matsui won't play in the outfield for the New York Yankees until at least interleague road games in June and will be restricted to designated hitter and pinch-hitting appearances until then.

Nats Release Hill, Sign Beimel To One-Year, $2 Million Deal  —  The Nationals today released starting pitcher Shawn Hill and signed free agent left-handed relief pitcher Joe Beimel to a one-year, $2.0 million deal.  Both moves can be attributed to uncertainty.

JOBA IS PLAN B FOR CLOSE CALL  —  TAMPA - If Mariano Rivera's health falters and he is unable to close, the likelihood is Joba Chamberlain would be switched into the role, multiple Yankees officials told The Post.  —  Rivera took a convincing step toward demonstrating full health …

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.

A-Rod magazine photos make teammates wonder  —  In the latest issue of Details, Alex Rodriguez appears to kiss himself in a photo shoot for the magazine.  (Details Magazine)  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Even when Alex Rodriguez is in Colorado recovering from hip surgery, he manages to grab headlines.

Say goodnight, Freddy  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — We haven't spoken to Jerry Manuel yet, but it's probably safe to say Freddy Garcia won't be long for the Mets' camp.  The veteran right-hander's already slim odds of winning the No. 5 starter job appeared to fly out the window here today with his disaster …

60 seconds with Marlins pitcher Logan Kensing  —  Do you have a duck fetish?  —  I have no fetish with ducks.  My mom always said that ducks in some cultures are considered really good luck.  So once a month I get a new one (from her) - rubber duck, stuffed duck, a duck.  —  Every month?

Organizational Rankings, Part 2  —  Last Year's Ranking: 2  —  Why They Might Be Better Than This: Their Triple-A rotation, led by Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, could be better than some big-league rotations; Michael Ynoa is the best Latin American prospect of the decade …

Astros take call about trade (w/more notes)  —  • Photos from Boone news conference and Astros-Yankees game  —  Not long after Aaron Boone announced he would leave the team to have open-heart surgery, Astros general manager Ed Wade received a call from another team informing him they had a third baseman available.