Marlins want Pudge Rodriguez back?. According to a baseball source, the Marlins are “pushing hard” for Pudge Rodriguez, but they’re unwilling to meet his demand to be installed as the primary catcher. The Marlins want Rodriguez to compete for what would amount to a complimentary role with John Baker. “Playing time is a primary issue, yes,” said Scott Boras, Rodriguez’s agent. “We’ve had some brief discussions with [the Marlins]. Again, Pudge’s position on the club really is largely dependent upon what kind of playing time they want to give him.” — South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Angels unlikely to rekindle trade talks with San Diego about ace Jake Peavy. The Angels, convinced Ervin Santana’s injury won’t sideline the All-Star right-hander for a significant amount of time, have no immediate plans to pursue outside pitching help. There has been speculation the team could rekindle trade talks with San Diego about ace Jake Peavy or pursue a free agent such as Pedro Martinez or Paul Byrd. “We don’t need to look outside for help unless some things become unmanageable, not just with Ervin but with any starter,” Scioscia said. “With some young kids throwing well, with [Kelvim] Escobar on the horizon, I see depth emerging.” — LA Times
Cubs Vizcaino to Oakland?. The Cubs’ chances of trading Luis Vizcaino are slim because of the overpriced contract, though if they packaged him with a prospect, they could explore a deal with Oakland for shortstop Bobby Crosby, who makes $5.25 million and is being shopped after Orlando Cabrera signed. — Chicago Tribune
Yanks could call Brewers about Hall, Lamb or Counsell?. Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he hadn’t heard from the New York Yankees, who are looking around at third-base candidates after losing Alex Rodriguez for at least two months to hip surgery. “They’re probably still making their list (of possible replacements),” Melvin said. “They probably don’t want to seem too anxious.” If the Yankees are looking for teams with an excess at third base, the Brewers would fit the bill. They still expect Bill Hall to recover from his calf injury in time to open the season at third, and have others there in camp such as Mike Lamb, Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Is Reds pitcher Cueto hurt?. Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty, told there was a rumor that pitcher Johnny Cueto was injured, checked it out and said, “Nothing wrong.” An American League scout asked early Monday, “How’s Cueto? I heard he was hurt. That’s what a Reds official told me.” Cueto pitched 4 2/3 innings Sunday, March 8, for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, giving up no runs and three hits while striking out five. To be certain, Jocketty called Reds coach/Dominican pitching coach Mario Soto, “No problem,” Jocketty said. — Dayton Daily News
Banned Substances Found on Materials Linked to Clemens. Federal authorities investigating Roger Clemens on perjury charges have found performance-enhancing substances on the drug paraphernalia that his former trainer said he used to inject Clemens, according to people briefed on the case. The discovery of the substances could bolster the claims of the trainer, Brian McNamee, that he used the various items — including syringes, vials and gauze pads — to inject Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone. — NY Times
