Lopez to retire, ending Braves comeback attempt  —  Viera, Fla. — Javy Lopez's attempted comeback is over, and apparently so is his career.  —  A few hours after he was cut from the Braves' camp roster Saturday morning, Lopez told general manager Frank Wren he would retire.

NETTLES BATTLING CANCER  —  Cancer has invaded the Yankees' family again.  —  Former third baseman Graig Nettles is facing April 8 prostate surgery at Manhattan's Sloan Kettering Hospital.  —  “I was diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving,” Nettles told The Post yesterday.

Sky's the limit for Ramirez  —  TOKYO - It was quite likely with a glint in his eye that Sean Casey leaned in and made the suggestion.  What about 800?  He wasn't serious, not really.  But with Manny Ramírez predicting 600 home runs for his career, then 700, where else was the next place to look?

Pitching decisions expected Monday  —  Piniella cites the center-field race as his most pressing concern  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Opening Day starter Carlos Zambrano tuned up against a Minor League team, Kerry Wood's next appearance was delayed and Sean Marshall made his final push for a spot on the Cubs' roster.

Cantu, Wood the winners  —  Looks like the Marlins have themselves a new third baseman.  Jorge Cantu is the guy after the Marlins placed Jose Castillo on waivers and didn't pull him back when the Giants claimed him.  —  As recently as a week ago I think the Marlins were giving serious thought to carrying both Cantu and Castillo.

PEDRO UNLEASHED  —  NO PITCH COUNT FOR HEALTHY MARTINEZ THIS SEASON  —  The Mets aren't going to coddle Pedro Martinez this season.  —  Manager Willie Randolph saw enough from the three-time Cy Young winner in his second Grapefruit League start yesterday to proclaim an end to the pitch counts that handcuffed Pedro last September.

Indians break out big lumber vs. Mets  —  Starter Lee allows four hits in five scoreless innings  —  INDIANS 5, METS 2  —  Indians at the plate: The Indians got homer-happy against Oliver Perez on this gloomy, rain-filled afternoon, in which the game was called after seven innings.

Wells, Nearing 45, Is Not Ready to Walk Away  —  He's 44, and will be 45 seven weeks into the season; he's chubby, always has been, and he's a free spirit and outspoken.  He's also unemployed.  —  Teams are always complaining that they can't find enough pitching.  David Wells can presumably still pitch.

Leyland's gut says Tigers may make a trade soon  —  CLEARWATER, Fla.—Although he stressed the Tigers didn't have any trade in place as of this morning, manager Jim Leyland said today that he has a “gut feeling” that the Tigers could make a trade for a relief pitcher in the next few days.

RAGGEDY ANDY  —  BACK SPASMS FORCE PETTITTE TO MISS START  —  Andy Pettitte's rocky spring hit another pothole today when he was scratched from a start for the second time in 10 days.  And while the veteran pitcher and club brass sincerely believe back spasms won't keep him from hurling …