Jon Lester set to ink deal  —  FORT MYERS - Sometime this morning, Jon Lester [stats] and the Red Sox [team stats] are expected to announce the worst kept secret of the spring - that he has signed a $30 million contract extension.  —  Yesterday, Lester was scratched from a scheduled start …

Japan shuts down Cuba in WBC's second round  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Pitching in the same ballpark where he led Japan to the inaugural WBC title three years ago, Boston Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka was brilliant in leading Japan to a 6-0 win over Cuba in the second round of the World Baseball Classic on Sunday.

Team USA makes a mockery of WBC mission  —  Buzz up!  —  MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The World Baseball Classic is a farce.  There's no other way to put it.  As much great baseball as it showcases, and as much as it means to other countries, until the United States starts treating the games …

Posada catches four innings  —  Jorge Posada made his behind-the-plate game debut for 2009.  He caught four innings, and felt “surprisingly good.”  Posada was scheduled to catch three innings, but wanted to remain in for a fourth inning to catch an inning of Phil Coke.

Roster cuts begin wtih Stockman  —  Parr among Braves moves expected to be announced Monday  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Phil Stockman's injury-plagued career with the Braves came to a close on Sunday when he was given his unconditional release.  —  Stockman made just one Grapefruit League appearance …

Padres sign RHP Duaner Sanchez ...  PEORIA, Ariz. - In their never-ending quest to solidify their bullpen, the Padres signed 29-year-old right-hander Duaner Sanchez to a Minor League contract, general manager Kevin Towers confirmed Sunday.  —  Sanchez was released by the New York Mets on March 10.

Astros pare down roster  —  Six players sent to Minor League camps on Sunday  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Prior to leaving for their road game with the Braves on Sunday, the Astros made six moves, paring their Spring Training roster to 47.  —  Five were optioned to Triple-A Round Rock …

Angels displaying discipline this spring  —  Club's impressive on-base percentage shows new approach  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Spring Training statistics are to be taken with a grain of desert sand.  But while nobody attaches too much importance to them, they can reveal a trend or two.

Manny slated for spring debut in left  —  Dodgers slugger to make first appearance in field vs. Rockies  —  PHOENIX — Manny Ramirez will make his Spring Training debut in left field on Sunday when the Dodgers play the Rockies at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.  —  Ramirez played in his first game …

Bannister's stats don't tell whole story  —  After allowing six runs in 4 2/3 innings, righty feels he improved  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Brian Bannister's bottom line was worse, but the Royals' right-hander felt he pitched better on Saturday in an 11-3 loss to the D-backs.

Rockies Recap: De La Rosa solid, ‘Q’ excels again  —  Rockies 9, Dodgers 5  —  At the plate: Troy Tulowitzki is finding his groove.  The shortstop raked a run-scoring single and a run-scoring double, raising his average to .241 and getting his first two RBIs.

With this 10, you get change  —  Game-breakers are do-it-yourself guys  —  The new buzzword around baseball to describe an outstanding player is “game-changer.”  There's no one definition, but it encompasses things such as the ability to change the complexion of a game, to win a game singlehandedly …

President Hugo Chavez rips Venezuelan fans for booing Magglio Ordonez at WBC  —  CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez came to the defense of Magglio Ordonez on Sunday, slamming Venezuelan baseball fans who booed the major leaguer at the World Baseball Classic.

Mariners claim Delgado from Marlins  —  Righty came in Beckett deal, spent 2008 mostly in Double-A  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Former Marlins right-hander Jesus Delgado was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Sunday.  —  Delgado, 24, made just two appearances in 2008, giving up a run in two innings of work.