BASEBALL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

La Russa arrested: St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was arrested Thursday on a drunken driving charge after police said they found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light. La Russa gave two breath samples and had a blood alcohol content of 0.093 percent, Jupiter police said in a statement. Florida's legal driving limit is 0.08 percent. "I'm not sure what type of statement to give," La Russa said Thursday. "Last night's situation is the opposite of feeling good. It was an embarrassment, so I apologize to anyone who is close to me, members of the Cardinals organization, our fans. I regret it, take responsibility and I'm not sure there is anything else I can say."
A-Rod not talking: Alex Rodriguez declined to talk about his contract situation Thursday, one day after Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he would not discuss an extension with the third baseman. Rodriguez has four seasons left in the record 252 million, 10-year agreement he signed with Texas before the 2001 season, but he can opt out of the deal after this season. He is owed 27 million in each of the final three seasons -- with the Yankees responsible for 50.7 million and the Rangers owing 30.3 million, including 9 million in deferred money.
Prior's status still unclear: Mark Prior had his best outing of the spring. Whether he'll start the season on the Cubs' active roster is still unclear. With the rotation pretty much set a week before the Cubs break camp and with Wade Miller the top candidate to be the fifth starter, there might not be a spot for Prior. At least not right away. "He threw the ball better, that's the most important thing. A really nice step forward for him," manager Lou Piniella said after Prior's four-inning outing Thursday in a 1-0 loss to the Padres. "I think the idea of not rushing him, giving him time, it's the right tonic." Prior gave up four straight two-out singles in the first -- the only four hits he allowed. But he surrendered only one run, thanks to a nice throw to the plate from left fielder Matt Murton to cut down a runner. Prior threw 59 pitches, walked two and struck out three.
Red Sox name Papelbon closer: Jonathan Papelbon's conversion from closer to starter didn't last long. Papelbon is heading back to Boston's bullpen to fill a major void, though he's isn't doing it because an injury to Mike Timlin left the Red Sox without a closer. "I haven't been sleeping well because there's been that feeling deep down in my heart that I wanted to close," Papelbon said. Papelbon is coming off a sensational rookie season in which he had 35 saves and an 0.92 ERA. The 26-year-old right-hander was slated to be part of a strong starting rotation, but the Red Sox need a reliable closer because the 41-year-old Timlin has a strained side muscle and isn't going to be ready to start the season.
Associated Press
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