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.

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 contract, as well as eight others to minor-league deals.  Most notable of that second group is righthander Juan Padilla …

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 …

Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 for 2008  —  Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Andrew McCutchen, OF, Grade A-  — Steven Pearce, OF-1B, Grade B+  — Neil Walker, 3B, Grade B (not convinced he'll hit quite as well as they expect)

The Prospect Corner with Adam G.  —  Three days ago WaxHeaven.com had it's biggest day in its 2 1/2 month history with close to 1,000 page views in one day thanks in part to Adam G. and his second write up of New York Yankees prospect Joba Chamberlain.  Today, he has sent in his newest article …

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ex-Ray Difelice to battle for backup job  —  An original Ray is coming back.  —  Catcher Mike Difelice, a Ray from 1998-2001, agreed to terms on a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training and the opportunity to compete for a backup job.  —  “I've been with the Rays,” he said Sunday.

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.