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KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Justin Upton was eager to get his first hit with the Atlanta Braves. Boy, it was a memorable one Monday, even if it was just spring training.

PHOENIX - Most people will view the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation as Yovani Gallardo and those other guys.

JOHANNESBURG - His head shrouded by a sports hoodie, the young man walked unnoticed through a bustling crowd outside the gates of the Olympic village in London last year. When he got close, I saw a familiar face smiling at me. It was Oscar Pistorius.

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Nate Barker is easy to spot at Blue Jays' spring training. He's the one outside the clubhouse after practice, cleaning anywhere from 55 to 70 pairs of baseball shoes. It takes him 4 1/2 to five hours a day.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Anaheim Ducks' penchant for come-from-behind wins is putting quite a strain on the patience and nerves of coach Bruce Boudreau.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Evgeni Malkin stepped up when Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby battled concussion problems for the better part of two seasons. Now, it's Crosby's turn to return the favour.

CHICAGO - No matter what goalie the Chicago Blackhawks put into their net, they are coming away with win after win.

PHOENIX - Scott Kazmir hopes Sunday was a big step on his road back to the major leagues. Kazmir allowed one hit and struck out one in two scoreless innings as a Cleveland Indians split squad beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4.

GLENDALE, Ariz.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Daisuke Matsuzaka believes he can be the Dice-K of old, the one who mystified hitters with his unorthodox delivery and arsenal of deceptive pitches. The Indians just need him to a dependable fifth starter.