Carl Pavano has been targeted by an extortion plot involving a former high school classmate, his family told the Record-Journal of Meriden.

The Indians acquired right-hander Jairo Asencio from the Braves on Thursday in exchange for cash, throwing another arm into the mix for one of two available bullpen jobs.

Thanks to his solid work on the mound this spring and his veteran presence in the clubhouse, reliever Scott Linebrink has earned a spot on the Cardinals' Opening Day roster.

The A's clubbed three home runs Thursday on the way to a 4-1 win over the Mariners in Japan. It marked just the 28th time since 2008 Oakland had gone deep three times or more in a game.

A quick note to the American League Central Division: Handle the Kansas City Royals with care. They may be dangerous.

It's the injuries that occur after teams hit the fields in Arizona and Florida that can really throw an organization an ill-timed curve. That's when Plan B needs to be put into action.

Fernando Rodney experienced a scary moment Wednesday night when a shot back at the box nailed him on his right forearm. The Rays right-hander was quickly removed from the game to be examined. X-rays were negative and the injury has been classified as a right forearm contusion.

The revival act of Bartolo Colon has been riveting baseball theater, and it looks like it's been extended to a new season. And even a new continent.

Rookie center fielder Yoenis Cespedes' two-run, seventh-inning homer put Oakland ahead after a gem from Bartolo Colon in a 4-1 victory over the Mariners on Thursday in Tokyo.

There are plenty of images that will stay in the cameras, cell phones, hard drives and hearts of the MLB players, coaches, executives and families who made the incredible trip to Japan for 2012's Opening Series.

The Tigers won the AL Central last year by 15 games, went to the ALCS and then signed Prince Fielder. Other teams will have their say, but on paper, no team in the division looks deeper and more dependable.

Brendan Ryan has been known as an engaging sort since joining the Mariners a year ago in a trade from the Cardinals, but the fun-loving shortstop took that to a new level this week by proposing to his girlfriend in Tokyo.

Mariners left fielder Mike Carp was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, and the club recalled Carlos Peguero from Triple-A Tacoma to take his place.

The A's will have already completed two regular-season games by the time they arrive back in Oakland on Thursday, but they'll still be without an everyday first baseman.

Despite it all, the Cardinals are convinced they're still going to be a pretty good baseball team, possibly a very good team.

The sale of the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium by Frank McCourt to Guggenheim Baseball Partners LLC is pending review of final paperwork by Major League Baseball, a league spokesman said on Wednesday.

B.J. Upton told reporters on Wednesday that he will begin the season on the disabled list.