Pirates and Ian Snell reach deal on five-year agreement  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Ian Snell on a five-year contract, the first three guaranteed with club options for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Yankees' Duncan, Cabrera to appeal suspensions  —  New York Yankees first baseman Shelley Duncan and center fielder Melky Cabrera said Sunday they will appeal their three-game suspensions for their roles in a spring training fight against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Conine to retire a Marlin  —  Inaugural player was member of both World Series title teams  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. — Fittingly, Mr. Marlin will ultimately retire as a Marlin.  —  According to a source, Jeff Conine, one of the most popular players in Florida history, will sign a one-day contract on March 28 …

Can Pedro tame Tigers in first real test for Mets?  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Johan Santana's starts already are events at Tradition Field.  Maybe not Pedro Martinez-sized events, but Mets fans down here want to get an up-close look at their new No. 1 starter.  —  Today will be a Pedro-sized event.

Sabathia deflects questions on future  —  After start against Yankees, ace keeps focus on '08 season  —  TAMPA, Fla. — C.C. Sabathia stepped to the mound at Legends Field for the final time as a member of the Indians on Sunday.  —  With the Tribe moving its Spring Training operations …

Cabrera impressive in O's win  —  Orioles starter issues one walk in 5 1/3 innings while striking out five  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - After five innings today, Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera had faced the minimum number of batters and his pitch count stood at 42.

Help from above?  Angels' non-trade looking good right about now  —  Angels: Five things to know  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — You looked at Miguel Cabrera in a Detroit uniform this spring and imagined the possibilities.  A bat that will have a lethal impact on the American League race.

Kyle Farnsworth's softer side  —  TAMPA - Anyone who has seen Kyle Farnsworth unleash his 100 mph heater, daring the hitter to take his best shot, knows one thing about one of the game's most aggressive pitchers: He is a competitor who puts everything he's got into each pitch, sometimes at the expense of his command.

Beckett throws without pain  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sox pitching coach John Farrell played catch with Josh Beckett and indicated while Beckett will likely not accompany the team to Japan, he is progressing well and threw without pain.  —  “Good news was there were no restrictions as far …

Young Mets upstage Astros on road  —  Split squad puts up five-run fifth to top Houston  —  METS (ss) 6, ASTROS 4  —  Mets at the plate: Fernando Martinez went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.  Victor Mendez went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.  Argenis Reyes tripled in the fifth inning, driving in a run.

Joe Girardi still unsure of Joba Chamberlain description  —  TAMPA - With Opening Day two weeks from tomorrow, the Yankees still are deciding what role Joba Chamberlain will have on the pitching staff.  —  Chamberlain allowed four hits, including a solo homer by Curtis Granderson …

Yanks' young guns face uphill fight against history  —  TAMPA - Although no one in the Yankees' high command is prepared to put a specific number on it, it is reasonable to assume they are hoping for Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy to make 25 to 30 starts apiece this season …