George Kell, former Detroit Tigers broadcaster, dies at 86  —  LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — George Kell, a Hall of Fame third baseman who outdueled Ted Williams for the 1949 American League batting title and became a Detroit Tigers broadcaster for nearly 40 years, died Tuesday.  He was 86.

The Freddy Garcia Era Ends - For Now  —  From the time that he arrived in camp, Freddy Garcia has maintained that his quest for the fifth spot in the rotation was an all-or-nothing proposition - win the job or walk away.  He said he had no use for a minor league opportunity …

Nady Wins Job, and Swisher is Subdued  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - On Nick Swisher's Twitter page, his enthusiasm all but bursts through your computer screen.  It's a festival of exclamation points and effusive praise.  The trip to the pool hall?  A great idea.  Team U.S.A.?  Loaded with talent.

Competitions won't end on April 6  —  Obsessed with who'll be the Yanks' starting CF on April 6?  Don't be.  Ken Rosenthal says battles like this won't end on Opening Day.

Andruw Jones Update: Texas Rangers Now Considering Him A Cleanup Option  —  NOTICE: THIS POST IS, AS WE SAY, “DEVELOPING.”  IT MAY BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The latest twist in the strange spring saga of Andruw Jones:  —  The Rangers, who a week ago …

Stan Kasten Discusses Nationals' Plans and Expectations  —  The transcript follows.  —  Stan Kasten: Hi there, everyone.  I'm happy to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.  I always enjoy having the opportunity to chat with fans, whether in person or online.

What does Bill James think of the Astros?  I'm glad you asked  —  OK, I'll cut right to the chase.  Bill James is a genius.  A lot of people say the same thing about me, but that's not important now.  Today we're discussing Bill James.  His statistical analysis has changed professional sports forever.

Blue Jays Rotation: And Then There Were Three  —  As promised yesterday by Cito Gaston, the tussle for the 4-5 rotation spots became a little clearer this morning when non-roster, rehabbing right-hander Matt Clement was sent to minor-league camp for assignment.

Smoltz and Daisuke next steps  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The next step for John Smoltz is his bullpen session, scheduled for tomorrow.  In that session, which will take place at 9 a.m. at City of Palms Park, he is expected to throw between 30 and 35 pitches in what will be his first bullpen of spring training.

Hamels' debut may come April 10  —  Phillies ace lefty to pitch in Minor League game Tuesday  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — If everything goes well, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels could start the fourth game of the regular season, April 10 against the Rockies in Denver.

United States' Loss Runs Deeper Than One Game  —  There was a troubling refrain from Team USA players on Sunday after a 9-4 loss to Japan in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.  —  Japan did the little things, they said, and the United States did not.

Four-out saves for K-Rod?  Don't ask  —  Figured it might be worthwhile to ask Frankie Rodriguez this morning about being used for a pair of four-out saves during his stint with Team Venezuela.  After all, it was something that he hadn't done in a save situation since August 17, 2007 …

Marlins' ballpark vote passes  —  Retractable-roof stadium slated for 2012 opening  —  MIAMI — At last, a home the Marlins can truly call their own.  —  Miami-Dade County commissioners on Monday put to rest more than a decade-long quest by voting in favor of a retractable-roof ballpark for the Marlins on the Orange Bowl grounds.