Monday's first pitch

So, Alex Rodriguez has decided to have surgery. Filip Bondy says it must be nice to have A-Rod's medical plan.

Taking a tour of the region's teams:

• Danys Baez has taken a step toward making the Baltimore Orioles' rotation. Jeremy Guthrie's new contract includes a paycut.


• The Washington Times takes a good look at a squeeze play from Sunday.


• In Philadelphia Phillies camp, Lou Marsen is willing to learn.

Recapping the World Baseball Classic:

• The U.S. Team showed its versatility this weekend, writes Amy K. Nelson.
• The Baseball Tonight crew takes a look at Yu Darvish

Checking in on other spring training stories:

• Ryan Franklin could be the St. Louis Cardinals closer. Really?


• The Los Angeles Dodgers' Jeff Kemp thinks he can have a 40-40 season. Sure.


• In Boston Red Sox camp, Brad Penny is making changes.


• Vintage Junior. Need we say more?