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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.