Indians closer Kerry Wood to Twins?

In other words, the Twins are likely looking for a closer, and nobody has a more available one than the Indians. You can be sure Twins GM Bill Smith at least touched base with Indians’ GM Mark Shapiro on Tuesday, inquiring about Kerry Wood. Smith has no choice. — Lorain Morning Journal

Braves could save money keeping Jason Heyward in minors?

Chipper Jones turned serious when he said the hot-hitting Jason Heyward should — and would — make the opening-day roster. “We want to leave out of here with the top 25 guys in camp, and he’s certainly one of them,” Jones said of the right fielder, who was Baseball America’s minor league Player of the Year in 2009. Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren insist the Braves will take the best 25 on their opening day roster and say that financial issues would not keep Heyward off the roster. That situation, for those unaware: If the Braves keep him in Class AAA for a couple of weeks to begin the season, they could assure Heyward won’t be a free agent before the end of the 2016 season, instead of 2015. If they keep him in Class AAA until the end of May, the Braves could assure Heyward is not eligible for arbitration until after the 2013 season, instead of after the 2012 season. — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Mets K-Rod doesn’t care that Hall of Famer thinks he’s a “clown”

Goose who? Francisco Rodriguez is just fine with Goose Gossage’s assessment of him. Gossage referred to K-Rod as a “clown” in a recent interview, citing Rodriguez’s penchant for theatrics on the mound, but Rodriguez shrugged off Gossage’s comment yesterday — “I have no idea who he is,” Rodriguez said. Told about Gossage, a Hall of Fame reliever who had his best years pitching for the Yankees in the 1970s and ’80s, Rodriguez took the high road. “We all have an opinion,” Rodriguez said. “That’s his opinion and you’ve got to respect it. I don’t care. It doesn’t bother me at all.” — NY Post

Milton Bradley calls out Cubs manager Lou Pinella (again)

In his latest salvo aimed at the Cubs, Milton Bradley claims he wanted manager Lou Piniella to apologize to him in front of his teammates after Piniella called him a “piece of (expletive)” during a confrontation last June. Piniella declined, according to Bradley. “The next day, he called me into his office and wanted to apologize,” Bradley told ESPN. “I felt you put me on blast, called me out in front of everybody, you’re going to apologize in front of everybody. “He didn’t choose to go that route, but I accepted his apology nonetheless, because as a Christian that’s what you do. I don’t have time to hold grudges against people.” The day after the incident, Piniella apologized to Bradley personally and also made a public apology to him through the media for the harsh words. At the time, Bradley said he accepted it. — Chicago Tribune

Brewers Prince Fielder to M’s, Cubs or Dodgers?

The Yankees, who are set with Mark Teixeira, will not be among the teams in need of a first baseman. The Red Sox, who could trade for Adrian Gonzalez and sign him to a new deal, also might be out of the mix. Removing the two biggest-spending teams from the bidding would automatically depress the market for Fielder and other free-agent first basemen. True, the Phillies might need to replace Howard. The Mariners would figure to be in play — their general manager, Jack Zduriencik, was the Brewers’ scouting director who drafted Fielder. Maybe the Cubs would jump in. Maybe the Dodgers would, too, if they had a new owner. But again, the demand might not meet the supply. — Fox Sports

Former Red Sox Curt Schilling to make game for EA

Electronic Arts has teamed up with baseball star Curt Schilling to make a game. But this isn’t a sports game. It’s a deal with Schilling’s fantasy role-playing game studio, 38 Studios. Schilling is developing an epic single role-playing game code-named Project Mercury. It’s not the big massively multiplayer role-playing game, code-named Coperinicus, which is due to launch in 2011. Rather, Mercury is a single-player role-playing game that is being made by the former Big Huge Games studio, which 38 Studios acquired last year. — GamesBeat

Twins interested in Blue Jays pitcher

Twins interested in Jays RP Jason Frasor, two Jays scouts at Twins game, but then they now have a ton of scouts to go to games. — Toronto Sun

Torii Hunter: percentage of blacks and white in baseball is down

Chicago Cubs special assistant Gary Hughes, who signed Pro Football Hall of Famer John Elway for the New York Yankees and high school basketball All-American Delino DeShields for the Montreal Expos, says it’s heartbreaking watching America’s athletes shun baseball. It’s rare, Hughes says, when he sees more than one African American playing in a college game. “A lot of people don’t understand,” Torii Hunter says, “that the percentage of white players in the game is down, too.” The committee suggests altering how the baseball academies operate and scaling back in foreign markets to increase investment at home. “We have absolutely eradicated a huge part of our game by not investing in a system that attracts an American populace,” Boras says. MLB, or perhaps minor league franchises, he says, should help finance NCAA programs and provide more scholarships. There are only 11 scholarships for Division I baseball teams. “The colleges have corrupted baseball,” says Boras, whose son plays at Southern California, “because they have taken away the scholarships. They’ve taken away America’s pastime from the grass-root level of homes.” Says Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, “Killed it.” Baseball’s amateur draft also creates a problem, Boras says, for the unwillingness to pay the same draft bonuses received by NFL and NBA players. — USA Today

Greg Smith, Tim Redding have shot at Rockies rotation

Greg Smith and Tim Redding are the leading candidates to crack the rotation if Jeff Francis struggles, but Smith isn’t thinking about April. “I’m just trying to stay healthy, trying to throw strikes, trying to go out there every time they ask me to,” Smith said. “Not ‘OK, my back hurts, my shoulder hurts or I’ve got a blister,’ none of that. “You hurt so much last year, it’s like, ‘OK, he’s going to start. Now is he going to make his next one? Is he going to make his next one?’ I want to erase all that from last year.” — Denver Post

Yanks VP busted for DUI

Mark Newman, a Yankees senior vice president in charge of the minor leagues, was charged with a DUI late Monday night. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Web site, the 60-year-old Newman was arrested at 10:56 p.m. on northbound Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Newman, who has been with the organization for 22 seasons, was released after posting a $500 cash bond. The team released a statement last night. — NY Post

Chris Perez is ready to close for Indians

Kerry Wood is a luxury the rebuilding Indians cannot afford, especially at these prices. Wood will make $10.5 million this season, roughly one-sixth of the Indians’ entire payroll. Trading Wood would remove that salary from the payroll, perhaps bring back to the Tribe a young pitching prospect, and also open the door for Chris Perez to move into the closer’s role. Perez was groomed to be a closer while in the Cardinals’ minor league system, and Indians officials have acknowledged that Perez has the stuff and the makeup to eventually be a closer at the major league level. — Lorain Morning Journal

Royals’ Kendall says he won’t let ‘ridiculous’ divorce accusations affect him

Veteran catcher Jason Kendall returned Tuesday morning to Royals’ camp and vowed not to let a potentially messy divorce situation affect his play on the field. Kendall appeared Monday in court in Los Angeles in an effort to gain permission to bring his two children to Kansas City during the Royals’ season. His wife, Chantel, appeared in court with boyfriend Sean Stewart, the son of rock star Rod Stewart, in an effort to block the move. The case was continued until March 18. Chantel Kendall has also leveled charges in court papers that Kendall is overusing Adderall, a prescription he takes to control Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). “I won’t dignify the ridiculous accusations that were made,” Kendall said. “I’m not going to get into a debate (with my wife) in the papers and the media. It’s a personal family matter that I would like to keep private.” Kendall dismissed the suggestion that the divorce and custody issues will be a distraction as he heads into his first season with the Royals after signing a two-year contract for $6 million as a free agent on Dec. 11, 2009. “No,” he insisted. “Not at all.” — KC Star

How About That?

Including options, the Rays have Evan Longoria signed for the next seven years at $43.45 million. To put that in perspective, the Yankees will pay Alex Rodriguez $166 million during that time. A-Rod will be 41 by 2016. Longoria will be 31. — St. Petersburg Times

GM Andy MacPhail concerned about Orioles Brian Roberts

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said that Dave Roberts can’t resume participating in on-field drills until Thursday. Orioles team physician Dr. Thomas Wilckens administered an anti-inflammatory medication to Roberts Sunday. Monday night, Trembley said Robert began feeling ill. The Orioles begin their season April 6 at Tampa Bay, and Trembley would like to have his leadoff hitter and second baseman with them. In order to be properly prepared, Roberts will need about 25-30 at-bats, Trembley said. “I’m still confident we can get him that,” Trembley said “I’d still like to see him out on the field. Now, he can’t get out there because he’s sick.” MacPhail admitted being concerned. He spoke with trainer Richie Bancells, who assured him that Roberts could return in four weeks. “You get 10 games into spring training before you really start paying attention,” MacPhail said. “The clock is starting to be an issue. It’s getting to be on my radar screen.” He’s contemplating alternatives if Roberts has to go on the disabled list. — Carroll County Times

Yanks owner not changing stance on Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera extension

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he isn’t about to change the team’s policy of not granting contract extensions, even for Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera or Joe Girardi after last year’s World Series win. “People just have to understand that everybody does business in a different way, and I just don’t believe in contract extensions, and that’s throughout the organization, no matter who it is,” Steinbrenner said. “Hopefully nobody takes that personally, because that’s just business. — NY Post

Rays forced to gamble on younger players contracts

The Rays, by contrast, did not wait for Evan Longoria to prove himself. They took on a little risk in 2008 and, because of that, will reap the rewards through 2016. For a team with limited revenues such as the Rays, that type of calculated gamble is a necessity. They tried a similar deal when Rocco Baldelli was coming off an injury four years ago, and it turned out poorly from a financial perspective. They tried it with B.J. Upton when he was in the minors, and he turned down the deal. The jury is still out on that decision, although Upton will probably benefit in the long run. — St. Petersburg Times

Red Sox Bill Hall: teams are trying to develop someone like me

Bill Hall is ready to play anyplace for the Red Sox. “I’m one of the founding fathers of my position,” Hall said recently. “Me and Ryan Freel in Cincinnati originated this. Now teams are trying to develop someone like us.” The position Hall plays is everywhere. Nowhere for long, but anywhere he’s needed, save pitcher, catcher and first base. He is a utility man, a guy who likely will play second, shortstop, third and all three outfield positions for the Red Sox this year. If manager Terry Francona asked him to drive the bus across Florida yesterday from Fort Myers to Jupiter, Hall would have whipped out a commercial driver’s license and said, “I’m qualified.” — Boston Herald

Mets Jose Reyes still out with overactive thyroid

The Mets will brace for at least two more days — perhaps longer — without Jose Reyes, after test results yesterday confirmed he has an overactive thyroid. Reyes will remain in New York to await the results of blood tests to decide his treatment, according to a statement released last night by the team. Those results are not expected until tomorrow at the earliest. — NY Post

Royals hoping Podsednik can do for them what he’s done to them

Scott Podsednik batted .373 last season against the Royals with a .397 on-base percentage in 14 games. His 29 total bases were his highest total against any opponent. Heck, he even went eight for 14 against Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, with four doubles and a triple. You bet the Royals wanted Podsednik. Other teams — such as the White Sox, Giants, Cubs and Tigers — expressed interest, but the Royals pushed, pushed hard and kept pushing. They were determined to upgrade their team speed and outfield defense. They also needed a leadoff hitter. And they saw Podsednik, who turns 34 in eight days, as someone who checked off all boxes. General manager Dayton Moore placed a call soon after Podsednik officially became a free agent in November. Hillman made the journey up from his home near Austin, Texas, to have lunch with Podsednik, his wife and infant daughter. “The Royals were the most aggressive (team),” Podsednik acknowledged, “and I liked what they had to say…They made me feel wanted. The communication opened up pretty quickly, and we were able to work out a deal.” — KC Star

Jamie Moyer is favorite for Phillies rotation slot

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said yesterday that the 47-year-old Jamie Moyer, who is guaranteed $8 million in the final year of his contract, is the favorite for the job. “I think to me, Jamie comes in with a big track record,” Dubee said. “You can’t just go away from that. What did he win last year? 12-10 the year before? He’s got a tremendously long track record of being a winning pitcher, even when he turned 40.” — Philadelphia Daily News

J.C. Romero won’t be ready for Phillies season

J.C. Romero’s early spring training goal of an Opening Day return from elbow surgery is all but dead. Although he threw off a mound for the third time yesterday, he has yet to throw his slider, and he has yet to face hitters. While the Phillies still expect him to return at some point in April, he’ll likely remain in Clearwater, Fla., once the regular season begins. “I haven’t ruled it out,” Dubee said, “but it’s a very, very longshot, that’s for sure - which we expected.” — Philadelphia Daily News

Hank Blalock could make $1.2 million with Rays

If Hank Blalock makes the Rays roster, he’d earn $925,000, with the shot for another $350,000 in incentives based on plate appearances. “He’s got tremendous power,” Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said. “I know Texas is a good hitter’s park, but his power will play anywhere. He got away some of the last few years from working the same kind of at-bats that he had, but we feel there’s a lot of upside there.” — St. Petersburg Times

Former Mariner Bret Boone hired as manager of minor league ballclub

Former Seattle Mariners second baseman Bret Boone has been hired as the manager of the Victoria (B.C.) Seals, a team in the Golden Baseball League. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to start the second chapter of my baseball career,” said Boone, 40. “Returning to the Pacific Northwest is a thrill for me.” Boone’s position with the Seals marks his first foray into professional baseball management. — Seattle Times

Muhammad Ali visited with Giants players

Sporting icon Muhammad Ali visited with Giants players, coaches and staff to encourage participation in Athletes for Hope, an organization that connects athletes with charitable organizations. Ali, who is afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, posed for pictures with nearly everyone on the roster. “Special day … and I know the guys really enjoyed it,” Bochy said. “There’s a champion not only in the ring but outside it, too. He has so much influence around the world. I couldn’t tell you who won any medals at the Atlanta Olympics (in 1996), but I can’t forget him lighting the torch.” — San Jose Mercury News

Rangers’ utility infielder race remains wide open

There is no clear leader in the bid to find a utility infielder who can play up the middle. Joaquin Arias and Ray Olmedo are leading candidates. “Everything is feeling good,” said Arias, who has already played second, shortstop and third base. “I felt good at third base. If you can play shortstop, you can play whatever position in the infield. I haven’t played at third too much, but it feels normal.” Arias came into Tuesday with six at-bats, four more than Olmedo. Manager Ron Washington said Arias has seen more action than Olmedo because he has more experience. Nothing’s been decided. — Dallas Morning News

MLB coach could keep lucky No. 95 jersey

Rays 1B coach George Hendrick, right, started wearing No. 95 (with no name) Friday when his usual No. 25 jersey didn’t make it to Tampa. The Rays have won five straight since and are thinking of making the switch permanent. “There’s already a 95 with his name on it in his locker,” manager Joe Maddon said. “With a high percentage good spring, he may have to jump to 95. It would be great for the fans to respond how they feel about this.” — St. Petersburg Times

Red Sox star reads Mitch Albom book on spring training bus ride

Besides an extra cup of coffee, an earlier wake-up call and the usual crossword puzzle, Tim Wakefield relied upon Mitch Albom’s “Have a Little Faith” electronic book to pass the time on the three-hour bus ride across the Everglades yesterday morning. — Boston Herald

Mariners report $3.2 million profit in 2009

The Mariners reported to the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District that they made $3.2 million in the fiscal year that ended Oct. 31, 2009. That came after posting a $4.5 million loss in 2008. They cited the increase largely to increased revenue due to a better team on the field as the Mariners won 85 games in 2009 after winning just 61 in 2008. — Seattle Times

MLB player takes one-day class on bullfighting

White Sox SS Omar Vizquel will have to postpone those three months of lessons required to step in a bullfighting ring. He took a one-day crash course in Venezuela and settled for pictures in the uniform. “With the cape and the sword, everything,” he said. The previous winter, Vizquel wrestled an Anaconda in the rainforest. He actively paints and sculpts. He has skydiving, flying an F-14 jet, attending the Triple Crown horse races and being part of a Formula One pit crew on his bucket list, too. — San Jose Mercury News

How About That?

Baseball’s African-American population is 8%, compared with 28% for foreign players on last year’s opening-day rosters. — USA Today

Former Red Sox star and his four kids suffer from ADD

While Curt Schilling was leading the Red Sox to two World Series on the field, things on the homefront were falling apart with a depressed wife, an anorexic son and another son who was not just unruly - he was “irrational.” That’s according to Curt’s wife, Shonda Schilling, who has written a book, “The Best Kind of Different,” about her son Grant’s struggle with Asperger’s syndrome and the chaotic conditions in the Schilling household that led to the diagnosis. “We have all been fascinated with Curt’s ability on the mound, but no one, not even the people closest to the Schillings, have known the difficulties they encounter at home,” said Katie Leighton, the couple’s longtime publicist and Shonda’s close friend. According to the memoir, all four of the Schilling kids - as well as their All-Star dad - suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a condition that causes inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity and behavioral problems. — Boston Herald

Beloved Orioles “ballboy” and umpire attendant plans return at age 85

There is no mystery to why Baltimore loves Ernie Tyler. He is the last link to all that was once so great about the Orioles organization, so it is almost sacrilegious to suggest that it might be time for him to take a step back when he’s all excited about returning to the field this season. “As of now, I’m planning to be out there if I can get my legs back in shape,” he said this week. “As you can see, I still have legs.” This is classic Ernie. His 86th birthday is looming next month, and he’s determined not to act his age. But it is not good news to the people who love him most, those who are trying hard to convince him that the time has come to slow down a little bit. “The whole family would rather I didn’t” return to the field, Ernie said. His sons Jim and Fred Tyler, also longtime Orioles employees who manage the home and visiting clubhouses at Oriole Park, persuaded him to remain behind the scenes after he recovered from surgery last season and are trying to persuade him now that he should stay off the dugout stairs and out of the baseball crossfire around home plate. — Baltimore Sun

Did You Know?

Take the Kansas City Royals for example, who have had the best record in the American League in spring training three times in the last 10 years. Or the 1989 Chicago Cubs, who went 9-23 in spring training and went on to win the National League East. How about the 2005 Chicago White Sox, who went 14-18 in spring training before winning the World Series that year. — St. Louis Globe-Democrat

Mike Wallace was little-known when he worked on Dodgers documentary

A documentary, “Biography of a Rookie: The Willie Davis Story,” was one of award-winning producer David L. Wolper’s earliest projects, with narration by a then-little-known Mike Wallace. Speaking of Wolper, who produced the opening and closing ceremonies at the 1984 Olympics, he was honored Tuesday by the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games. — LA Times