Sunday notebook

A smattering of items I've found interesting on the 'net.

Montgomery Advertiser: Jeff Davis High graduate Craig Brazell heads to Japan today to prepare for the Seibu Lions' season. It's a 14-hour flight.

Tampa Tribune: With the offseason signings in the bullpen, Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey said the staff should be "considerably better." Also, Evan Longoria's spring jersey number could attest to his chances of making the team. He'll wear No. 3, 62 digits lower than his 2007 attire.

St. Petersburg Times: If Jamie Shields can earn $44 million over the next seven years, think of the largesse that could be headed Scott Kazmir's way.

Boston Globe: Yeah, yeah, I know I link this notebook every week. I read it every week.


Dallas Morning News: The latest on newest Ranger and former Ray Josh Hamilton's fight against drugs.

Seattle Times: Former Nasty Boy Norm Charlton is back in the game as Seattle's bullpen coach and wants the Mariners to be more aggressive inside.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune: The Twins may have something special in former Biscuit Delmon Young.


Cincinnati Enquirer: Forget the stock market. Buy stock in minor-league pitcher Randy Newsom at $20 a share. "I don't think I'm a bad investment," Newsom said. "It's a high-risk deal. I mean, IBM isn't going to blow out an elbow."