Girardi pumped about Posada's arm strength  —  Good morning Sandy loyalists, long-ago beat guy Peter Botte filling in down in Tampa for the weekend so your esteemed regular blogger can score some Q.T. with the family back in Jersey.  —  My first day away from pucks - and apparently …

Angels' Lackey seeking extension  —  Ace prepared to test free agency if deal not reached  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — After his most recent outing on Tuesday in Peoria, Ariz., against the Padres, John Lackey said his camp was waiting to hear back from the Angels on a proposal submitted to management for a contract extension.

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 …

Mets 4, Orioles 0  — Oliver Perez pitched three scoreless innings in his first start for the Mets since Feb. 26, but he still needs work to undo the faulty mechanics he developed during his time away at the WBC.  Fortunately for the Mets, they have time to fix him.

Mauer: Little chance for Opening Day  —  Twins GM Bill Smith announced a few minutes ago that every doctor who has been consulted on Joe Mauer's lower back pain concurs that he has inflammation of the sacroiliac joint - the joint that connects the bottom of the spine to the top of the pelvis.

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.

Jones to stay through weekend  —  Veteran unlikely to make Rangers' Opening Day roster  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Outfielder Andruw Jones has been told he is not expected to make the Rangers Opening Day roster, but he will stay with the team through the weekend.

Ramirez embraces change, while Reyes resists  —  JUPITER, Fla. — A difference now can be found between Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes, a pair of gifted 25-year-old shortstops.  Both were offered the same proposition this spring: move from leadoff to third in the batting order.  Their responses were telling.

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 …

Willis tries on old delivery for size  —  Tigers hurler returns to trademark leg kick during rough outing Thursday  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Dontrelle Willis is still trying to find his old form.  In the process, he has gotten back to his old delivery.  —  The change became noticeable in his third, and final, inning of work.

Roy Oswalt will start for Team USA in WBC semifinals  —  LOS ANGELES — Roy Oswalt will start for the United States in its semifinal against Japan in the World Baseball Classic.  —  Manager Davey Johnson made the announcement Friday after the Americans worked out at Dodger Stadium.

Nunez could see bigger role in 'pen  —  With Lindstrom, Proctor hurting, righty may close games  —  JUPITER, Fla. — It's unknown what will happen over the next few weeks as expected Marlins setup man Scott Proctor and closer Matt Lindstrom battle through injuries in the race to be ready by Opening Day.

Marlins assign eight to Minors camp  —  West, Collazo, Standridge, Sinkbeil, Morrison among demotions  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Marlins sent down another wave of prospects Thursday, as left-handers Willie Collazo and Sean West, right-handers Brett Sinkbeil and Jason Standridge …

Offseason In Review: Toronto Blue Jays  —  By Tim Dierkes [March 20 at 4:54pm CST]  —  Next up in our Offseason In Review series, the Blue Jays.  Here's what we wrote about the team on October 3rd.  Changes for 2009:  —  Additions: Matt Clement, Mike Maroth, Ken Takahashi, Michael Barrett …

How to fix the World Baseball Classic  —  Holding WBC semis and finals during July's All-Star week would produce great theater  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — I stood with a longtime baseball man this week, watching what passes these days for who's-No.-94-out-there spring-training baseball.