The Ravens' coaches plan to exploit Boldin's versatility all over the field.

Baltimore's wide receiver situation had screamed for an upgrade—Mason was the only consistently productive player at the position last season, and running back Ray Rice led the team in receptions—and Boldin and Stallworth should provide it.

"They're great additions," Cameron said Wednesday.

In seven seasons with the Cardinals, most of them playing second fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin averaged almost 84 catches and 1,074 yards per season. He has 44 touchdowns. He was the NFL's 11th-leading receiver last season with 84 receptions for 1,024 yards and four touchdowns.

"He's just a big, physical receiver who has been Pro Bowl productive his whole career," said Cameron, who likes Boldin's versatility. "He can play the X (split end), he can play the Z (flanker) and he can come down inside and play the slot. We should hit the ground running with Anquan."

The Ravens might have to be more patient with Stallworth, suspended for the 2009 season after he was charged with DUI manslaughter (his vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Miami last April). In seven NFL seasons, Stallworth has caught 296 passes for 4,383 yards (14.8 average) and 32 touchdowns. He is expected to provide a vertical presence for the Ravens' passing game.

"The one thing he's always brought to the table is speed," Cameron said. "He (ran) a 4.2-something coming out of college. We clocked him in 4.4 when we worked him out, so the great news is he still can run."

Arizona drafted Boldin in the second round in 2003. There had been a serious discussion about Boldin in the Ravens' war room that year, but general manager Ozzie Newsome didn't pull the trigger because he didn't think Boldin measurable skills met the club's minimums.

Baltimore says Donte' Stallworth still has the speed to stretch defenses.

"Not too many times do you get a chance to recover from a mistake, and I think I made a mistake in that draft worrying more about measurables than worrying about the football player," Newsome said at Boldin's introductory press conference in Baltimore. "And what Anquan is, is a football player."

Now that Boldin and Stallworth have arrived, the next step is for them to start establishing a chemistry with quarterback Joe Flacco. Cameron is less concerned about how the two receivers fit into the Ravens' scheme—"X's and O's are X's and O's," he said—than he is about them forming bonds with the third-year quarterback. 

Cameron hopes to accelerate that process during the offseason program, where Flacco will spend extra time throwing to his two new targets. Before practice. After practice. In the moments of down time during practice.

Flacco and Boldin got a jump-start last Saturday—coincidentally, it was the day of the Boldin trade—when they both attended Kurt Warner's touch football fundraiser in Arizona. While they were there, Flacco threw some passes to Boldin.

Flacco generally is a man of few words, but he's just as excited as Cameron is to have Boldin and Stallworth on his side.

"Deep inside," Cameron said, "I know he's champing at the bit to get to work and start getting ready with these guys."

Although the Ravens ranked ninth in scoring last season, they were only 18th in passing yards. They went 9-7 and qualified for the playoffs as a wild-card team, but once they got into the postseason they were too one-dimensional. In two games, they rushed for 321 yards, including 234 in a wild-card win over New England, but their wideouts caught only eight passes for 112 yards.
 
Cameron, however, disputed the notion he didn't have enough weapons in the passing game.

"We didn't execute the way we could at times, but I never felt handcuffed," he said. "People have been putting all this stuff on our receivers. The bottom line is if we had executed the way we are capable, it probably wouldn't be as much as a focal point."

If Boldin and Stallworth work out as expected -- and Mason continues to be a key contributor at age 36 -- much attention will be on the Ravens' receivers again next season. For what they can do, rather than what they can't. 

Tough to catch

It might not be fair to blame the wide receivers for Baltimore's aborted appearance in the playoffs—it beat the Patriots in the first round but lost to the Colts the next week—but the Ravens didn't get much help from their wideouts.

In two playoff games, Ravens wide receivers caught only eight passes for 112 yards. Among the 12 playoff teams, only the Jets had fewer receptions, yards and touchdowns by their wide receivers during the regular season.

This story appears in March 11's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com.

The way Jason Heyward has impressed, he could be a star before he plays his first regular season game. He is just one of a handful of young hitters hoping to use March as a springboard into a major role:

Jason Heyward has impressed the Braves with his overall game.

"He does a lot of stuff right," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It's amazing to me. We'll see what happens."

"The way he carries himself on and off the field, he's different from any other young kid I've ever seen," hitting coach Terry Pendleton said.

For example, Heyward remains unfazed by the media attention.

"I've been asked a lot of questions this spring," he said. "They will ask, 'What about the hype around you?' I say, 'Well you guys are the hype around me. You guys are asking the questions every day, you guys are bringing it to me.' I'm not feeling any hype because I'm just playing baseball. I'm doing the same thing I've been doing, the same thing I set out to do. That's what I'm prepared to do."

Sean Rodriguez, 2B, Rays
With three homers in his first 14 at-bats, Rodriguez made his statement in a battle among three Rays for one starting job. Rodriguez, 24, acquired from the Angels in last August's Scott Kazmir deal, is competing with Reid Brignac, 24, for the second base job. The competition has brought out the best in Brignac, too. He had seven hits in his first 14 at-bats. Right fielder Matt Joyce also is off to a strong start and remains in the picture, too. The Rays plan to use Ben Zobrist in right or second, depending on the play of the three youngsters.

Julio Borbon hit well down the 2009 stretch for the Rangers.

"Having a taste from last year is a big step for me," said Borbon, 24. "I will go into this year knowing I can perform."

Borbon, a lefthanded hitter, didn't play much against lefthanders last season (2-for-16) but won't be babied this season.

"Julio doesn't need to look over his shoulder," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He's going to get a chance. There will be no leash on him."

Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.

New Brewer Randy Wolf will be atop the rotation.

1. Are the veteran lefthanders the solution for the rotation?
Massive upgrades were needed for a Milwaukee rotation that finished last in the majors with a 5.37 ERA in 2009. The Brewers aggressively pursued Randy Wolf and signed him to a three-year deal. Wolf was very efficient for the Dodgers last year, though his 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP resulted in only 11 wins. He fits in nicely with Gallardo, the rotation's lone bright spot last year. Milwaukee also signed Doug Davis, a former Brewer who went 9-14 with a 4.12 ERA for Arizona last season. That trio is solid, though not overwhelming.

The three starters battling for the final two spots are big question marks. Manny Parra was an enigma last season. In five starts against the Cardinals, Parra had a 2.33 ERA. In his 22 starts against everyone else, he posted a 7.33 ERA. Jeff Suppan is in the final season of his four-year deal; the $12.5 million he will earn this season is a more compelling reason to keep him in the rotation than his 5.29 ERA from 2009. Dave Bush had a career 4.45 ERA heading into last season, then stumbled to a 6.38 ERA.

"We need to commit to be more effective pitching to the bottom of the strike zone," new pitching coach Rick Peterson said, detailing his plan for improvement.

2. Will Corey Hart, Carlos Gomez and Rickie Weeks bounce back?
If those three -- who disappointed for different reasons last season -- play to their abilities, the Brewers should have a very good offense. Even with down/injury-plagued seasons from Hart and Weeks, the Brewers managed to win 80 games with an awful rotation.

Gomez can impact the game with his speed, but getting on base has been his biggest problem -- and the primary reason the Twins gave up on him. His on-base percentages by month last season: .250, .303, .286, .323, .295, .231. Gomez will hit toward the bottom of the Brewers' lineup, which should relieve some of the pressure he might have felt leading off in Minnesota.

3. Is Milwaukee wasting the Braun-Fielder combo?
It isn't as if the Brewers aren't trying to win. General manager Doug Melvin has been aggressive when it comes to adding impact players -- the trade for CC Sabathia and subsequent $100 million offer to retain him proved that -- but the Brewers don't enter 2010 as favorites to participate in the postseason. Braun is signed through 2015, but Fielder is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season. Another disappointing season in 2010 won't convince him to pass up free agency.

Projected lineup
1. SS Alcides Escobar: .298 AVG at Class AAA last season, .304 in MLB.
2. 2B Rickie Weeks: Staying healthy is priority No. 1.
3. LF Ryan Braun: Elite bat: 32 HRs, 114 RBIs in '09.
4. 1B Prince Fielder: Career bests in '09: 141 RBIs, 1.014 OPS.
5. 3B Casey McGehee: 16 HRs, .301 AVG in surprising '09.
6. RF Corey Hart: New goggles could improve batting eye.
7. CF Carlos Gomez: .229 AVG, 14 SBs for Twins in '09.
8. C Gregg Zaun: 1 season with more than 110 GP in 15-year career.

Projected rotation
1. LHP Randy Wolf: 3.23 ERA, career-high 34 starts for Dodgers in '09.
2. RHP Yovani Gallardo: 3.73 ERA, 1.31 WHIP led rotation in '09.
3. LHP Doug Davis: Also started NL-best 34 games last season.
4. RHP Jeff Suppan: 29 wins, 4.93 ERA in three seasons with Brewers.
5. LHP Manny Parra: 10 wins, 4.39 ERA in '08; 11 wins, 6.36 ERA in '09.

Projected closer
RHP Trevor Hoffman: 1.83 ERA, 0.91 WHIP as 41-year-old last season.

Offense: B. The 3-4 combo of Braun and Fielder matches up with any in baseball. But there are issues. Will Hart and Weeks bounce back? Can Casey McGehee repeat his '09 production? Can Zaun handle an increased workload? Can Gomez boost his on-base percentage above .300?

Pitching: C. The staff is improved from last season, when Gallardo and Hoffman were the only things keeping it from an F. Parra has the ability to become a No. 2 or 3 starter; if he finds that type of consistency, it really would improve the rotation. Trevor Hoffman is solid, as always, in the ninth inning.

Bench: C. Jody Gerut can play all three outfield positions but is better as a regular than as a spot starter. Craig Counsell hit .285 in 130 games last season and had a .542 on-base percentage as a pinch hitter. Mat Gamel has a good bat but is a defensive liability at third.

Manager: B. In his previous four seasons as manager, all with the A's, Ken Macha's teams had finished at least 14 games above .500. Last season, the Brewers finished two games under .500, though it is hard to place blame on Macha for the demise of his rotation.

Sporting News prediction: The Brewers have the look and balance of a .500 squad again. That should result in another third-place finish in the NL Central -- unless the young Reds overtake them.

Coming Thursday: Reds preview.

Ryan Fagan is a staff writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com.

I knew I wasn't going to be 100 percent, the way I wanted to be, when I went to the Combine. But through this whole process and on toward the draft, I just want to go out and show I can compete, even when I'm not 100 percent.

For the first time since his injury, Stafon Johnson did 13 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press at the NFL Combine.

I can still compete and stand out under this kind of competition. That's what I want to show: Even if I'm hurt, I'm going to be tough enough to do the things I need to do. I'm not going to back away.

It's funny, at the Combine the teams mainly wanted to see if I could interpret defenses and make sure I'm not a character-issue guy. A lot of them actually didn't even know I was going to work out there—the players, too.

Everybody asked the same questions: Are you going to train? Are you really going to do this? Are you really going to do what everybody else is going to do? And I'm like, "Yeah, why not?" Whatever I did was a plus, and only a good thing.

I'm not scared to fail because I know in the back of my mind all of this is a plus for me. I know I've got less than a month left for everything to be on line for the pro day at USC. I can't get there on March 31 and say, "Well, I wasn't ready."

In the coming weeks, I'll work on the little things I've seen that I can work on. A lot of what I've done so far is just the evaluation stage for me. The Combine was the first time I did 225-pound (bench press) rep since before my injury. That was the first time I was able to run a time for a 40-yard dash.

A lot of things I'm trying to build off of, but it's hard sometimes. I'm typically used to getting in the 4.4-4.3 range in the 40, and when you come in in the 4.6s, well, I'm mad because of my expectations.

I'm like, "I know this is not me." But you have to look at the bright side and go from there.

You've got to trust in yourself, trust and see how things are. It tells you a lot about yourself. It tells you exactly where you can change certain things, things that can make you a better person when you get through the adversity.

You know, everybody can cook good at home, but when you can cook good somewhere else, it kind of tells you what kind of person you are. When you run into adversity and you're not at home, you've got to compete.

The best part of this is being able to correct things and it not hurting you. Because not only is it getting you ready to do what you have to do—to perform in front of the coaches for the numbers— but it actually makes you a better football player because you're working on the little things.

The hardest thing is wanting so bad to get back so fast where I was before my injury. I'm probably at the point where I have to learn to cool myself down and learn to be patient.

Everything's coming, but you're so anxious that you just want to hurry and get back. It's coming, it's coming. March 31 is coming, too. I'm aware of that.

— As told to Bob Hille

About the author

Stafon Johnson USC RB

Johnson was the Trojans' second-leading rusher when he suffered a near fatal weightlifting accident in September. Now, only months later, he has recovered from a crushed throat and larynx. He was at the NFL Scouting Combine, and now he's gearing up for USC's pro day on March 31. He'll chronicle his journey to the draft for Sporting News.

This story first appeared in the March 10, 2010 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is under scrutiny over an alleged sexual assault that took place in Milledgeville, Ga.

After former Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison was sued by the man who claimed Harrison shot him in Philadelphia nearly two years ago, I gave Harrison some free advice, for which he surely got his money's worth.

Settle the case.

Now that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger faces new sexual assault charges in Georgia, I'll give him some free advice, too.

Settle the case.

(If the advice wasn't free, I suppose I could double-bill them.)

During a Monday press conference, authorities in Milledgeville acknowledged that the woman accusing Roethlisberger of sexual assault has hired a lawyer. This means that, at some point, she'll sue the two-time Super Bowl-winning signal-caller.

So the best approach would be for Roethlisberger's lawyers to commence a dialogue with the alleged victim's lawyer and settle the case -- now.  Perhaps there's a number north of $100,000 and south of $1 million that she'd take to waive any civil claims and drop her charges.  Like Kobe Bryant's accuser nearly seven years ago, nothing takes the steam out of a criminal prosecution faster than a civil settlement.

(This doesn't mean that sexual assault is not a serious crime.  The point here is that the mess has been made, and now Roethlisberger must decide how to clean it up, whether he's guilty or innocent or a little bit of both.)

The settlement needs to happen soon, before a decision is made to charge Roethlisberger with sexual assault. With a completely confidential settlement that entails an agreement to drop the charges, everyone can move on — and Roethslisberger can continue his career without having to deal with a civil trial like the one he faces in Nevada, or a criminal trial that could, in theory, put him in jail.

If or when formal charges are filed, it could be too late to salvage Roethlisberger's reputation, and possibly his career. The league and/or the Steelers would be forced to take some type of action in the wake of an indictment, possibly by suspending Roethlisberger until the case is resolved, just as the NFL did when Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted in 2007 on federal conspiracy charges relating to dogfighting and gambling.

Speaking of Vick, his ordeal would have been much less serious if he'd found a way quickly and cleanly to accept responsibility and move forward. The difference, of course, is Vick couldn't have entered into a civil settlement with his victims; he would have been required to work out a deal with prosecutors regarding potential criminal charges. Roethlisberger has the opportunity to placate his victim with a significant-yet-secret payment of cash, and to avoid any further legal jeopardy.

To be sure, any resolution of the charges, no matter how confidential, would trigger rumors and/or reports that Big Ben wrote a really big check. But the early moves Roethlisberger has made show he's not necessarily worried about good public relations this time around. Hiring the lawyer who represented Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis 10 years ago on murder charges, for example, invited suspicion that Roethslisberger has opted to try to buy his way out of a problem he created. Given the choice between his image and his liberty, Ben wisely is erring on the side of advancing the interests of the latter.

So instead of buying a big-time lawyer, why not buy his way out of the problem more directly? Guilty or innocent, the only way to obtain certainty before charges are filed is to dispense justice via the bank account.

In response to the civil claim of sexual assault made last July in Nevada, a full year after the alleged incident occurred, anger, stridence, and defiance were understandable reactions. In response to criminal charges made on the very evening that the latest incident supposedly happened, Roethlisberger needs to tread more lightly. He faces very real consequences, and instead of fighting tooth and nail, the best approach might be to offer up some dollars and cents.

It could be the only way Roethlisberger can quickly and decisively turn the page on this latest ugly chapter in his life.

Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News. Check out PFT for up-to-the minute NFL news.

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and became a beloved player in the city.

The shortstop signed a one-day contract with his former team Wednesday before announcing he's leaving baseball at 36 to become an ESPN analyst.

"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."

Garciaparra played parts of nine seasons in Boston. He was a six-time All-Star who captured the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year Award and won batting crowns in 1999 and 2000.

He also has a place in Red Sox lore for being part of a four-team trade in 2004 that helped the club win its first World Series in 86 years.

"I felt like I was there," Garciaparra said, referring to the championship celebration. "In Boston there's something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there's something bigger than us winning a World Series. It's winning a World Series for these people."

General manager Theo Epstein, who grew up in the Boston area, was responsible for the trade that dispatched Garciaparra.

"We've been fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship after the trade," Epstein said. "I think both of us understood at the time that it wasn't about Nomar and it wasn't about me. It was just baseball trades that happen. They're about what's going on with the team at the time and certain things that had to happen. But, it didn't change what Nomar meant to the Red Sox."

Terry Francona, who took over as Red Sox manager in 2004, saw just the last few months of Garciaparra's time at Fenway Park.

"His last part in Boston was tough," Francona said. "He was kind of Boston-ed out. It had kind of wore on him for whatever reasons. Sometimes it's time to move on. That doesn't mean he's a bad person. I think the fact he's come back kind of shows that."

Garciaparra's teammates - the beneficiaries of his acrobatic defense and clutch hitting - found it appropriate that he retired in a Boston uniform.

"He was a Red Sox for a long time and I think he'll always be remembered as a Red Sox," said pitcher Tim Wakefield, who was Garciaparra's teammate for the shortstop's entire stay in Boston. "For the organization to sign him to a one-day deal and have him retire as a Red Sox is pretty special. I'm really happy for him. I wish he was still playing but sometimes our careers take different paths."

Garciaparra threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jason Varitek catching. Garciaparra and Varitek were teammates in Boston and at Georgia Tech.

"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform. We are very appreciative that Nomar is ending his career where it began."

Garciaparra spent the past five seasons with the Cubs, Dodgers and A's. He had a .313 career average with 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.

Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry but always earned the respect of his opponents in New York.

"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."

Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He's a great player and a friend."

---=

AP Sports Writer Howie Rumberg in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He's a great player and a friend."

St. Louis Rams

First-round pick: No. 1

Recent additions: Signed free-agent defensive tackle Fred Robbins and free-agent quarterback A.J. Feeley.

The Rams didn't bring in A.J. Feeley to be the starter, but his arrival could help determine who the starter is in 2010.

If Bradford looks good and the medical reports on his surgically repaired throwing shoulder are favorable, the Rams should take him. Remember, the last two drafts have produced four NFL starting quarterbacks—the Falcons' Matt Ryan, the Ravens' Joe Flacco, the Lions' Matthew Stafford and the Jets' Mark Sanchez.

If Bradford becomes a franchise quarterback for somebody else, it would haunt the Rams for years.

Adding Robbins and Feeley simply gives the Rams insurance no matter the draft-day decision. Feeley, 32, has not thrown a regular-season pass since 2007 but could act as a mentor to Bradford, particularly if the Rams release veteran Marc Bulger.

"I see my role as an older quarterback that is there to help out in any way possible," Feeley said on a conference call. "Regardless if it's playing or in a backup role, I'm just there to contribute. Whether it's a young guy they draft or if Marc is there or whoever is there, I just want to help out."

Robbins was with the Giants when Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo was the Giants' defensive coordinator. But Robbins is a 32-year-old journeyman. Suh and McCoy could be Pro Bowl players for a decade.

So it comes down to this: It is important for the Rams to figure out who is better—Suh or McCoy. But it is more important to figure out whether Bradford is good enough—and durable enough—to be their quarterback for the next 10 years.

Seattle Seahawks

First-round picks: Nos. 6 and 14

Recent move: Brought in restricted free-agent wide receiver Brandon Marshall for a visit.

What it means: The Seahawks are considering trading a first-round pick to the Broncos for Marshall—a major decision for the Pete Carroll regime. Marshall is coming off three consecutive seasons of at least 101 catches, and he turns just 26 years old March 23. But his talent on the field has been accompanied by issues off the field.

It's a tough call for Carroll, but the two picks in the top half of the first round are more valuable.

Marshall is good, extremely good, but would be a better fit for a team closer to contending status like the Bengals or Dolphins. Despite Marshall's production the past three years, the Broncos have not made the playoffs. He cannot turn around the Seahawks by himself, and they have many needs.

If the Seahawks keep their picks, they could get a quarterback (Jimmy Clausen) or left tackle (Anthony Davis, Bryan Bulaga or Russell Okung) at No. 6 and then a running back (C.J. Spiller) or pass rusher (Carlos Dunlap) or cornerback (Joe Haden) at No. 14.

The Seahawks spent big on wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh last season, and a different approach might be the prudent course. It will be interesting to see what Carroll decides.

Jacksonville Jaguars

First-round pick: No. 10

Recent addition: Signed free-agent defensive end Aaron Kampman.

What it means: With a league-low 14 sacks last season, the Jaguars still could draft a pass-rush end like Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul. With Kampman in the fold, GM Gene Smith now has the flexibility to address needs like linebacker (Sergio Kindle or Rolando McClain) or safety (Eric Berry or Earl Thomas).

Signing Kampman is a good move, assuming his knee is sound. Kampman has 54 career sacks and says he again will be an effective pass rusher despite season-ending knee surgery in November.

A move back to his natural defensive end position in a 4-3 scheme is welcome news after he had difficulty adjusting to outside linebacker when the Packers switched to a 3-4 last season.

"There's a lot of nuances to outside linebacker," Kampman said. "I'm excited to put my hand back on the ground. I have a fire burning to do that."

Miami Dolphins

First-round pick: No. 12

Miami is free to pursue other needs after securing Karlos Dansby.

Atlanta Falcons

First-round pick: No. 19

What it means: GM Thomas Dimitroff filled a a huge hole at corner and now has flexibility on draft day. Dimitroff now just might jump on a pass-rusher like Dunlap or Pierre-Paul if available at 19.

This story appears in March 10's edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.

Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.

The phenom had a pretty good idea where his pitches were going Tuesday.

Aside from the overflowing photograph wells and overcrowded press box, this was not unlike a typical Tuesday afternoon spring-training game. Sun Coast Stadium was a little more than half-full, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and any buzz in the park likely was felt only by those enjoying their adult beverages.

Still, he was glad to have his first outing out of the way, even if it was just spring training.

"Absolutely," he said. "There was a lot of anticipation going on. It's in the books, and now I can worry about my next outing and what I can do to prepare for that."

Strasburg allowed a couple of two-out singles to Tigers backups in the second inning and fell behind the next hitter, Brent Dlugach, 3-0. Then the 21-year-old with the $15.1 million contract got serious. The next three pitches were called strikes -- the last two nasty changeups -- and Strasburg's debut was done.

Two innings, two hits, two strikeouts, zero walks. His performance was over in less than half an hour.

According to stadium scoreboard readings, Strasburg's first pitch was clocked at 97 mph, and he touched 98 a couple of times but didn't reach triple digits on this day. He threw 15 strikes among his 27 pitches.

His most effective pitch was a 98-mph high fastball that struck out slugger Miguel Cabrera. "He threw me two breaking balls in a row, so I was waiting for the fastball, but when you're out of balance, it's tough to hit," Cabrera said. "What you read about him is true. He's real. You don't see that kind of pitcher every year."

Starting for the Tigers was Rick Porcello, who actually is younger than Strasburg but already has pitched a full year in the majors. Porcello won 14 games with a 3.96 ERA as a 20-year-old rookie in 2009. Any advice for a fellow phenom?

"It looks like he has a pretty good idea right now," Porcello said.

Good enough to make his debut look routine.

Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.

VIERA, Fla. — Top draft pick Stephen Strasburg has made his spring training debut for the Washington Nationals, pitching two scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers.

Starting for Washington, Strasburg threw 15 of his 27 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits, successive two-out singles by Don Kelly and Alex Avila in the second. But the right-hander finished off Brent Dlugach with a bending, 81 mph breaking ball for an inning-ending strikeout.

Strasburg's four-seam fastball was consistently measured in the 97-98 mph range and he struck out two Tuesday. But he had some problems with location and threw first-pitch strikes to only two of the eight batters he faced.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

School: Clemson
NFL position: WR
Height: 5-8 3/4
Weight: 181
40 time: 4.28
Current projection: Third-round pick

Clemson WR Jacoby Ford will be one of the NFL's fastest players, but he's a small target for quarterbacks.

Strengths: Is an explosive athlete and a threat to score on every touch. Is quick getting off the snap and into his route, accelerates to full speed in a blink and uses quickness and agility to burst out of cuts and separate from cornerbacks. Shows good hands to reach out and pluck passes away from his body. Consistently twists body to catch offtarget passes. After the catch, is a competitive runner with the balance and strength to run through arm tackles; gains a lot of yardage after contact. Works hard as a blocker.

Weaknesses: Lacks height and size, and thus is a durability risk. Lack of height makes him tough to locate downfield. Won't be as successful breaking tackles in the NFL.

Bottom line: Ford is a big-time athlete with rare explosiveness and speed—his 4.28 40 was one of the fastest in Combine history—to be an impact slot receiver and return man. He must stay healthy to maximize his physical skills. He likely will be drafted lower than we have him rated, but on film he reminds us of the Steelers' Mike Wallace.

For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts -- plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.