Duaner Sanchez released  —  GM Omar Minaya just announced minutes ago that Duaner Sanchez has been released.  Sanchez knew he had to fight for a job this spring — he said as much after yesterday's outing — but the Mets didn't hesitate to cut him loose.  I figured Minaya would wait …

Wrapping up the day in Tampa  —  Two good things happened today: Andy Pettitte got it cranked up and Mariano Rivera looked like Mariano Rivera in the bullpen.  —  “It was good to get out there and get it cranked up a little bit.  It's been a long spring already,” said Pettitte, who allowed one hit, struck our two and walked one.

Towers shopping for a bargain  —  GM in need of pitchers, but he has little to offer  —  TUCSON - Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said Monday he is growing increasingly willing to trade for pitching going into Opening Day.  —  “We'll see what is out there,” he said.

Banned Substances Found on Materials Linked to Clemens  —  Federal authorities investigating Roger Clemens on perjury charges have found performance-enhancing substances on the drug paraphernalia that his former trainer said he used to inject Clemens, according to people briefed on the case.

Entering the mix  —  JUPITER, Fla. — With their first pick of what the Cardinals billed as their transformative and revitalizing draft, they planned to select an athletic shortstop from Georgia Tech named Tyler Greene.  —  As the 28th pick of the 2005 draft approached, however …

Alex Rodriguez to Begin Rehab After Hip Surgery  —  The operation performed on the torn labrum in Alex Rodriguez's right hip was successful, his doctor said Monday, setting the stage for a highly publicized recovery process that could last nine weeks and could include the first six of the regular season.

Pedro to Mets: Call me  —  CAROLINA, Puerto Rico - Pedro Martinez has a message for Mets general manager Omar Minaya: If you want a future Hall of Famer as your fifth starter this season, give me a call.  —  Martinez - the free-agent pitcher who sparkled in three scoreless innings of relief …

Making sense of Manny  —  It's become fashionable in Boston to bash Manny Ramirez.  His huge salary and occasional bizarre behavior are much better remembered than his Hall of Fame numbers and World Series MVP.  But even his detractors would have to admit they never really understood the guy.

Mets Are Hoping Bobby Parnell Will Bring the Heat  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Each time Bobby Parnell walked to the Mets' bullpen last season, he would bring his glove, his hat and the most important accessory, a pink “Sleeping Beauty” backpack.  Stuffed inside were the essentials: candy …

Harper: Gardner's on center stage  —  TAMPA - The snickering is beginning to subside already.  Maybe the idea of Brett Gardner as the Yankees' everyday center fielder is not so crazy, after all.  —  Actually, the way he's going, maybe Gardner will hit cleanup during Alex Rodriguez's absence.

Bravissimo: Italy boots out Canada  —  Denorfia's 4-for-4 night, Cooper's strong 'pen work carry Italians  —  TORONTO — With their backs against the walls, the Italians showed the baseball world that they should not be taken lightly.  —  Center fielder Chris Denorfia led the charge with four hits …

Chavez shut down with sore shoulder  —  Former Gold Glover was scheduled to play in field on Monday  —  PHOENIX — The on-again, off-again comeback by Oakland's Eric Chavez hit another snag on Monday, as he was scratched from his expected spring fielding debut at third base because of soreness …

Pettitte: Pressure on pitchers  —  Andy Pettitte says with Alex Rodriguez absent for the start of this season, the pressure to perform falls to the Yankees starting pitchers.  —  “I feel like this team is going to win if we pitch well, whether Alex is here or not, to tell you the truth,” the left-hander said.

Chipper Jones' oblique injury not serious  —  TORONTO — Chipper Jones said Monday he feels no discomfort in his strained oblique muscle and he fully expects to be ready for the second round of the World Baseball Classic.  —  Jones  —  Jones, a third baseman for the United States team …

Team USA advances behind big sixth  —  Iannetta, Pedroia, Youkilis deliver key hits vs. Venezuela's 'pen  —  TORONTO — For the first five innings on Sunday, Team USA seemed destined for its second nail-biter in as many nights in the World Baseball Classic.

Oakland redefines rebuilding, latest on A-Rod and notes around camps … PHOENIX — A's general manager Billy Beane is one of the smartest men in baseball.  But sometimes, Beane is credited with ideas that aren't even completely his.  —  The Athletics' unusual, seemingly illogical quick change …