Santana takes Mets to ‘different level’ … PHILADELPHIA — As you watched Johan Santana overmatch the Phillies on Friday in his first visit to Philadelphia as a Met, it was hard to resist asking this question:  —  Suppose he'd been a Met last year.  —  Suppose the Mets could have sent Santana …

Free Agent Stock Watch: Ben Sheets  —  It looks like Ben Sheets made the right decision by signing a four-year contract with the Brewers after his spectacular 2004 season.  The then-25-year-old tossed 237 innings to the tune of a 2.70 ERA, striking out 264 to just 32 walks, with a WHIP below 1.00.

Cantu disputes woman's claim  —  MIAMI GARDENS - Third baseman Jorge Cantu and his agent both insist a domestic violence matter won't interrupt his season.  —  According to the St. Petersburg Times, Cantu has a Wednesday court date in Pinellas County stemming from a temporary protection order filed against him earlier this week.

Source: Farns to be suspended for throwing at Manny  —  Kyle Farnsworth may have said he didn't throw at Manny Ramirez intentionally Thursday night, but apparently, Major League Baseball believes otherwise.  —  According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Farnsworth …

Young complies with manager, cuts hair  —  First baseman's ‘special barber’ trims bushy locks in Miami  —  MIAMI — Nationals manager Manny Acta, concerned that injured infielder Dmitri Young's big, curly Afro was becoming too much of a distraction, told the injured first baseman …

Hey, you, calm down  —  A few notes for those of you on the ledge:  —  * The Yankees have played 18 straight days.  Kids making shoes in factories in Third World countries don't work 18 straight days.  —  * The following players have missed games because of injury: Andy Pettitte …

Angels' Hunter OK after his high-priced car is hit  —  Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Torii Hunter was smiling and joking during batting practice and preparing to play the Seattle Mariners last night.  —  He wasn't grinning a few hours earlier, when his new car was rear-ended at a stop light near the ballpark.

Slumping Frank Thomas angry after being benched  —  TORONTO - Blue Jays designated hitter Frank Thomas was livid Saturday after getting benched in favor of Matt Stairs and being told by manager John Gibbons he can expect further cuts to his playing time.  —  Thomas was hitless in his past 13 …

Liner to left true sign that Ortiz is all right … Ironically, yesterday didn't start off looking as if David Ortiz [stats] would hit a grand slam to break free of his torturous offensive struggles.  —  You could just see it in his face before last night's game against the Rangers.

Bench strength bolsters Rockies  —  Reserves fill the bill against Astros after San Diego marathon  —  HOUSTON — Major League Baseball requires that during spring training, teams have at least four regulars in the starting lineup for every game or a fine is levied.

Lopez's attitude earns him two starts  —  Ex-All-Star infielder starts at second on Friday, short Saturday  —  MIAMI — The Nationals are struggling, Felipe Lopez has kept a good attitude despite losing his starting job and manager Manny Acta is aware of Lopez's pedigree as a National League All-Star.

Jose Canseco's steroid dealer says he never gave A-Rod drugs  —  In his recent book “Vindicated,” Jose Canseco says he introduced Alex Rodriguez in the late 1990s to a shadowy figure named “Max,” a Canadian-born trainer and steroid supplier.  —  But in a story posted Friday on Sports Illustrated's Web site …