A team-by-team look at the National League entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:
The symbolism dripped thick with irony: the Washington Nationals had two men on for what seemed like the umpteenth time in the last four games, their cleanup hitter at the plate in a duel with the opposing team's starting pitcher. And then, the lights went out.
Capsules of National League teams, listed in order of finish last year:
Dontrelle Willis had just been dumped from his seventh team in two seasons. Still in his 20s, the left-hander once known as "D-Train" looked to be headed for the scrap heap.
The San Francisco Giants have signed former 20-game winner Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract.
Toledo 8, Columbus 5: Garrett Mock (2-2, 3.98) allowed three runs in six innings but lost for the host Clippers against rehabbing Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis, who gave up one run in six innings.
1. Yankees, Mets try to go out on top
So I'm reading about this academic scandal at Florida State, about the 20-odd players reportedly cheating in a online music history exam, and I'm thinking: Is that the same course Jack Black taught in "School of Rock"?
Manny Acta finally will get a few days off with the All-Star Game taking place in San Francisco. The rookie manager plans to stay around town with his family, visit museums and generally relax.
