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Tony Stewart later won his second straight NASCAR Nationwide Series race, holding off Kyle Busch for the second consecutive week

Baseball:Rays discuss going after Bonds

The Rays have had internal discussions about the prospect of pursuing Barry Bonds . Manager Joe Maddon said he knew “little” about what was going on but acknowledged some thought has been given to Bonds.

The St. Petersburg Times reported Monday team officials have conferred among themselves about Bonds and other veteran unsigned free agents, such as Kenny Lofton and Mike Piazza . Andrew Friedman , Rays vice president of baseball operations, called the report a “nonstory.”

Bonds, who broke Henry Aaron ‘s home-run record last summer, has pleaded not guilty to perjury and obstruction of justice charges stemming from testimony to a federal grand jury in 2003 in which he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

• Elsewhere: Former American League Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon agreed to a minor league contract with the Red Sox and will report to spring training. Colon, 34, 6-8 with a 6.34 ERA in 19 games last season with the Angels.

Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa traveled to Chicago to see a cardiologist after being hospitalized for a rapid heartbeat during fielding drills over the weekend. The Cubs said DeRosa’s irregular heartbeat was not life-threatening. DeRosa said he hoped he could be back next week.

Jeff Francis will be the Rockies’ Opening Day starter March 31 against St. Louis. He went 17-9 with a 4.22 ERA last year and then went 2-1 in the playoffs.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge is expected to miss 3-6 weeks after surgery on his right knee.

Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano said he received his U.S. visa and was preparing to travel to spring training in Florida. He has been in the Dominican Republic. Liriano had a delay in obtaining the visa because of a Florida drunken-driving plea and missed the team’s Feb. 18 voluntary reporting date for pitchers and catchers.

Notable:Beard signs four-year Mystics deal

Three-time WNBA All-Star Alana Beard signed a four-year deal with the Mystics. Beard was fourth in the league in scoring (18.8) last season despite playing with a painful left shoulder. The guard had surgery in September to repair a torn labrum.

• Elsewhere: D.J. Augustin had 24 points, helping visiting and No. 5 Texas beat Kansas State, 74-65, for the Longhorns’ eighth straight victory.

Former Central Michigan men’s basketball coach and athletic director Ted Kjolhede died at 84. A cause was not released.

Detroit News wires and staff