SPRING TRAINING ROUNDUP | News and notes

Astros: Roger Clemens will take to the mound today, facing minor league batters. The 43-year-old Clemens wants to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, then decide whether to retire or play a 23rd season, said Koby Clemens, his oldest son and a third baseman in the Astros' farm system. Koby Clemens said his father was due to arrive in Florida Sunday night and planned to pitch to minor leaguers in a simulated game today. Clemens, a free agent, wasn't offered salary arbitration by the Astros and cannot re-sign with them until May 1. He could join another team before that, and Texas, Boston and the New York Yankees are reportedly interested.
Giants: Manager Felipe Alou says Barry Bonds could play his first spring training game in two years Friday against the Brewers. Bonds took batting practice for a fifth straight day Sunday and took part in some fielding drills as he shows signs that he is healthier than he was last year after having three knee operations. "He told me he feels very, very good," Alou said. "Bonds is having fun. Last year he didn't because he was hurt." Alou said Bonds would likely play Saturday in an exhibition at Scottsdale Stadium against the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic.
Royals: Right-hander Zack Greinke left camp for undisclosed personal reasons. "He's gone home for personal matters," manager Buddy Bell said. "That's all I can say about it. He's just got permission to go home and take care of a few things. I hate to be so vague, but hopefully this will be taken care of sooner, if not later."
Mets: Reliever Jorge Julio threw from a mound during a practice cut short by rain. Julio, signed from the Orioles in the off-season, spent the first two weeks of spring training stuck in his native Venezuela, waiting for his visa to clear. Now that Julio has finally arrived, the Mets can begin to assess how he will fit into their bullpen. Julio was up and down last season in Baltimore, where he lost the closer job to B.J. Ryan and went 3-5 with a 5.90 ERA in 67 appearances.
Orioles: Veteran free agent outfielder Richard Hidalgo was signed to a minor league contract. Hidalgo, 30, who is expected to report today, batted .221 with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs in 88 games for Texas last season. If he makes the 25-man roster, Hidalgo will earn a base salary of $1 million plus incentives. All-Star Melvin Mora pulled out of the World Baseball Classic after being asked to play center field for Venezuela, rather than third base. "I cannot go to that competition to try to play something I don't know how to play. I mean, I know how to play that, but it's a long time I don't play center field. I'm a third baseman. I cannot do that," Mora said.
Braves: Brian Jordan fielded ground balls at first base as he attempted to improve his chances of making the roster as a utility player. "I just want to show them I can do it if they need me," he said. "It just gives [manager] Bobby [Cox] more options." Jordan, one month away from his 39th birthday, was invited to camp as a non-roster player. He hit .247 with three homers and 24 RBIs last season.
Associated Press