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.

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 …

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.

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 …

Astros pick up right-hander Soler  —  Club, Cuban pitcher agree to terms on one-year contract  —  Houston continues to mine the free agent market, looking for any available, experienced arm.  To that end, the Astros have agreed to terms with right-hander Alay Soler on a one-year deal.

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.

Cubs recall Murton from Minors  —  Infielder/outfielder Patterson optioned to Triple-A Iowa  —  CHICAGO — Matt Murton strode into the Cubs clubhouse for the first time this season, but he had no place to go.  —  Eric Patterson was still clearing out of Murton's prospective locker …

Only Victory for Yanks: Moral One for Hughes  —  BALTIMORE — The Yankees have played 18 games, they have won half, and the earned run average of their starting pitchers is 5.50.  Whoever said that starting pitching would make or break the team — it was General Manager Brian Cashman, was it not? — made a valid point.

JOBA EXPECTED BACK FOR TONIGHT'S GAME  —  BALTIMORE — Joba Chamberlain is expected back from the bereavement list in time for tonight's game against the Orioles at Camden Yards and Jorge Posada was slated to play first base against lefty Brian Burres instead of the slumping Jason Giambi.

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.