A-Rod on 'roids for years, new book claims … Alex Rodriguez may have bulked up with steroids as early as high school - and was suspected of juicing while playing for the Yankees, a bombshell new book reports.  —  Although the slugger insists he dabbled in steroids only while with the Texas Rangers …

Dodgers bring up Weaver, activate Wade and option DeWitt  —  The Dodgers purchased the contract of Jeff Weaver and activated Cory Wade, while optioning Blake DeWitt to the minors.  Doug Mientkiewicz was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.  That's right, those of you afraid of burning …

In Defense of Ramon Castro  —  Make no mistake, the Mets made a tremendous strategic upgrade when they changed managers from Willie Randolph to Jerry Manuel in June 2008.  The former struggled with the elementary questions of bullpen management and player and media communication; the latter excels at all three.

Baltimore's Walker fined for comments  —  Major League Baseball has fined pitcher Jamie Walker of the Baltimore Orioles for his remarks regarding Umpire Angel Hernandez following Baltimore's game vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday night at Camden Yards.  The amount of the fine is undisclosed.

Sweeney's catch, Braden's pitching lead A's over Rangers  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ryan Sweeney retreated, leaped and stuck his glove above the eight-foot wall — and saved a much-needed victory for the ailing Oakland Athletics.  —  Sweeney's incredible catch in straightaway center robbed Ian Kinsler …

Roberts added to NESN roster  —  Dave Roberts's legs are already a part of Red Sox lore.  Now fans will get to know his voice as well.  —  NESN announced today that Roberts, the former Red Sox outfielder and postseason hero, has joined the network to serve as a studio analyst.

Buck's 5 RBI and Royals' six DP's keep them atop division  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — John Buck tripled twice and drove in five runs, and the Kansas City Royals turned six double plays in an 8-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.  —  The Royals took three of four from the Blue Jays …

New York Yankees seats still largely empty despite price cut  —  NEW YORK — Even with a cut in some top-priced tickets, the New York Yankees still had large numbers of empty seats in prime areas when they returned home for the second homestand at $1.5 billion new Yankee Stadium.

WRIGHT'S STARTING TO FEEL THE HEAT  —  FOR THE longest time, Mets fans spared the rod with David Wright.  Everyone else, up and down the lineup, up and down the roster, has heard the scorn plenty.  There's been contempt for the Carloses, Beltran and Delgado.  Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes did time turning DPs in the doghouse.

Hanley likely to return on Thursday  —  All-Star shortstop's injured right hand close to fully recovered  —  NEW YORK — Chances are improving that Hanley Ramirez will be back in the starting lineup soon.  It just may be another day.  —  Ramirez's sore right hand kept him out of the series finale …

A-Rod: 1 for 6 with a homer  —  This just in from Tampa:  —  Alex Rodriguez was 1 for 6 with a homer and two walks in the extended spring intrasquad game in Tampa.  He faced right-handers Matt Richardson and Jose Ramirez in the intrasquad, extended Spring Training game held at the Yankees' Minor League complex.

About those empty seats ...  Attendance this April is no worse than attendance last April  —  Believe it or not, the Yankees are averaging 44,502 fans — most in the majors.  —  Empty seats.  The defining image of April was those empty seats in a ballpark near you.  —  Or was it?

Kensing dealt to Nats for Gunderson  —  Out of options, reliever traded for righty relief prospect  —  NEW YORK — The Marlins on Wednesday dealt a reliever without options for a relief prospect.  —  Logan Kensing, who was designated for assignment on Saturday, was sent to the Nationals for right-hander Kyle Gunderson.

Unlike Mets, Phillies Ooze Confidence When Behind  —  Shane Victorino described the optimistic feeling in the Phillies' dugout as “a sense.”  The players do not share any specific words or special handshakes if the Phillies are trailing.  But Victorino said they do share the belief that the beginning of a comeback is one pitch away.