BASEBALL ROUNDUP | News and notes

Red Sox-Reds trade: Wily Mo Pena has amazing power, when he makes contact. Bronson Arroyo has shown he can be a reliable starting pitcher, when given the chance. Both are just looking for consistency. The Boston Red Sox traded Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds for Pena Monday in a swap of talented young players that could fill a major need for each team. Arroyo was headed to the bullpen because of Boston's deep rotation, but the right-hander now figures to help Cincinnati's mediocre starting staff.
Mariners-White Sox trade: The Seattle Mariners traded lefty Matt Thornton to the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Joe Borchard Monday. The 29-year-old Thornton struggled last season with the Mariners, going 0-4 with a 5.21 ERA in 55 games. He has a 4.82 ERA in 74 career relief appearances with Seattle. The 27-year-old Borchard was at Triple-A Charlotte for most of the 2005 season, where he finished second in the International League with 29 home runs.
Soriano refuses to play outfield: Alfonso Soriano refused to play the outfield for the Washington Nationals in what was supposed to be his spring training debut Monday night, and general manager Jim Bowden said his biggest off-season acquisition will go on the disqualified list if he doesn't agree to switch positions this week. "The player refused to take the field, which we believe is a violation of his contract," Bowden said. Soriano, a four-time All-Star second baseman, was listed as batting leadoff and playing left field on a lineup sheet posted in the Nationals' clubhouse before the loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. But when the Nationals took the field in the top of the first, Soriano wasn't out there. With play just about ready to start, left field was empty. Manager Frank Robinson made a defensive switch, moving Ryan Church from center field to left and putting Brandon Watson in center to replace Soriano at the top of the lineup.
Bell wants to start: David Bell wants to start the season on the Philadelphia Phillies' active roster. The third baseman's recurring back problems might impact that decision. Bell has been dogged by back injuries in spring training ever since he signed a four-year deal with the Phillies before the 2003 season. This year, he has yet to play in a Grapefruit League game because of -- you guessed it -- back injuries.
Associated Press
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