Clemens files defamation suit against his ex-trainer  —  Ex-Astros pitcher's attorney says McNamee 'has ruined Roger's reputation with a large percentage of the public'  —  In a defamation lawsuit filed Sunday night, Roger Clemens claims Brian McNamee, his longtime trainer and chief accuser …

New York Yankees  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Mailbag: Effects of Pagan trade  —  MLB.com's Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions  —  How will the Mets' acquisition of Angel Pagan affect the team's pursuit of Johan Santana?  —  My first reaction Saturday when I heard of the trade was that importing Pagan might make Endy Chavez available …

Mets re-sign Sanchez, eight others  —  In what is mostly an administrative move, the Mets announced today that they have re-signed Duaner Sanchez to a one-year, $850,000 contractl, as well as eight others to minor-league deals.  Most notable of that second group is righthander Juan Padilla …

Baltimore Orioles Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  Baltimore Orioles Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Matt Wieters, C, Grade A-  — Troy Patton, LHP, Grade B+ (I like him more than I should perhaps)

Pirates, Capps talk long-term deal  —  But Sanchez has not been offered more than one year  —  The Pirates have approached closer Matt Capps with a long-term contract offer, but they have pulled back from their other target for such a deal, second baseman Freddy Sanchez.

Hey, Hoynsie!  Your Indians questions answered  —  Got an Indians question?  Send it in.  Submit your question to cleveland.com/heyhoynsie, and Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes will choose several to answer each Sun day here in the sports section.  All of Paul's an swers will be archived online.

Tomorrow's Cooperstown election results today  —  Every year the annual BBWAA vote for Cooperstown transfixes me.  I love guessing how the vote will shake out.  —  Over the years, I've discovered 10 rules of thumb that make the annual ballot quite a bit more predictable.  None are perfect, but they work.

Brewers bring back ‘9-Packs’  —  Popular mini-season ticket packages on sale Tuesday  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers re-introduced their popular “9-Packs” for the 2008 season on Monday and will begin selling the mini-season ticket packages at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday.

The 20 Days of Rangers prospects: Day 1, Prospect No. 20  —  We're going to try to fill some of the January void by counting down our _ er, my _ top 20 Rangers prospects.  It's always a difficult exercise, but this year it was difficult for a different reason than in years past.

TEAM RUDY'S BOMBER BLUNDER  —  Some Rudy Giuliani volunteers bused here from New York City struck out as they went door to door in advance of Tuesday's Granite State primary while wearing caps or jackets of the hated New York Yankees.  —  “Some people really don't think,” said a person with knowledge of the situation.

Best outfield arms of 2007  —  This is now the third year that I've evaluated outfield arms here at the Hardball Times and I must say it's one of my favorite analyses to do and write up.  For one, I myself cannot wait to find out which outfielders did the best job of controlling the running game during the previous season.

Colon Missed Last Two Starts?  —  A friend in the Dominican Republic notes that Bartolo Colon has missed his last two starts.  Maybe he's done showcasing and now awaits an offer; I'm not sure at this point.  Word a few days ago was that Colon had yet to crack 90 mph.

Clement says he's in ‘a cool situation’  —  It is good to be Matt Clement and again be able to pitch.  —  It is even better to be believed.  —  Less than a week after signing an incentive-heavy, one-year contract to become a cog within the Cardinals' rotation, Clement says last Thursday represented …