Yankees' Gardner-Cabrera battle will continue  —  TAMPA, Fla. - The update on the Yankees' centerfield race: It's still too close to call.  —  Manager Joe Girardi said he's pleased with the play of candidates Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera and expects the evaluating process to continue right …

Ramirez effect extends to future Dodger contracts  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) -Manny Ramirez's presence will be felt long after his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers ends.  The slugger's recent signing has inspired the club to institute a so-called “Ramirez provision” in all of its future contracts.

Mike Pelfrey Experiments With His Pitches  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After Mike Pelfrey gave up just one run and three hits over six innings in a 12-1 victory over Houston on Thursday, he said he felt more comfortable this spring than in the past because he is assured a spot in the starting rotation.

Longoria to join Team USA  —  Third baseman Evan Longoria will be joining Team USA, according to Tampa Bay Rays general manager Andrew Friedman.  —  Longoria will travel to Los Angeles on Friday to join his new teammates, Friedman told to ESPN.com.  The help was needed for the U.S., which has lost five of its players to injury.

Dustin Pedroia returns today  —  Back in the swing  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - Dustin Pedroia [stats], sidelined recently by an abdominal pull sustained in the World Baseball Classic, took batting practice yesterday without incident and is expected to return to the lineup today for a couple of at-bats against Pittsburgh.

Hello, Livan: Niese optioned  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets took another step toward making Livan Hernandez their No. 5 starter job today, optioning left-handed prospect Jonathon Niese.  —  The Mets also optioned reliever Connor Robertson while reassigning catcher Robinson Cancel and relievers Jon Switzer …

Spring rumblings: Astros, Pedro, a young Brave  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The strange spring of 2009 rumbles on ...  HELLO, HOUSTON: Clubs that have spoken with the Astros say that in the wake of the loss of Aaron Boone, they'll give Chris Johnson every opportunity to win Boone's spot as a platoon third baseman and utility man.

Angelos says he's ready to help keep Preakness  —  Orioles owner seen as possible investor to retain race for Md.  —  Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos said yesterday that he or his family are poised to help Maryland keep the Preakness Stakes, a storied horse race whose fate has been imperiled by its owner's recent bankruptcy.

New Wrigley bar: Cubs' ballpark project in full swing  —  Some Cubs' neighbors worried about increase in congestion  —  Space has been fenced off for construction of a sports bar to be attached to Wrigley Field at Addison and Sheffield.  (Tribune photo by Phil Velasquez / March 18, 2009)

Bald Vinny's Roll Call: First Installment  —  The Voice of Yankee Universe is excited to bring you the first installment of Bald Vinny's Roll Call.  As we reported earlier this week, Vinny Milano, the man you know as the face and voice of the famed bleacher creatures, will be sharing …

Nationals make third round of cuts  —  Four are sent to Minor League camp; two are optioned to Triple-A  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals made their third round of roster cuts after their 5-4 victory over the Orioles on Thursday afternoon.  —  The team sent outfielder Ryan Langerhans …

Prosecutor advises probation, no jail for Tejada … NEW YORK — The United States Attorney's office has recommended that Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada receive a sentence of probation for lying to congressional investigators in 2005, according to a memorandum filed on Thursday in Washington, D.C., federal court.

Five questions: Florida Marlins  —  The Marlins are clearly a team on the rise, especially with their abundance of talented young starting pitchers, an All-Star shortstop, and outfield prospect, Cameron Maybin.  It is hard not to root for these guys.  They play in a terrible home ballpark …