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.

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.

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.

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)

New York Mets' Brian Schneider out indefinitely with calf strain  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets catcher Brian Schneider is out indefinitely with a strained right calf.  —  Schneider was a late scratch from Wednesday's game after waking up with pain and stiffness behind and above his right knee.

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.

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 …

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.

Brewers Blog  —  The Journal Sentinel sports staff brings fans the latest news and inside dope on the Brewers  —  Macha considering Kendall at leadoff  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  Phoenix - I just checked with manager Ken Macha and it is not a whim that catcher Jason Kendall …

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.

Pedro Martinez still hoping for return to Mets  —  Pedro Martinez is still holding out hope for a return to the Mets despite every indication that they have no interest, according to a friend who has spoken to the righthander recently.  —  The Dodgers appear to be Martinez's more likely landing point …

Red Sox Still Looking For A Catcher  —  By Tim Dierkes [March 19 at 12:17pm CST]  —  According to ESPN's Peter Gammons: … Montero, 25, hit .255/.330/.435 last year in 207 plate appearances as Chris Snyder's backup.  He threw out 18.2% of attempted base-stealers.