Mets notes: Pedro whispers  —  Don't rule out Pedro Martinez just yet.  While some Mets' officials continue to claim that the marriage has ended, one person familiar with the discussions said Sunday that the Mets are among the teams that have begun to request financial requirements with the 37-year-old right-hander.

Dice-K, Japan own Cuba in Classic play  —  Righty throws six shutout innings, remains undefeated in tournament  —  SAN DIEGO — Lightning struck twice in the same ballpark for the Japanese on Sunday.  —  Just like three years ago when Japan defeated the Cubans here to win …

Red Sox agree to terms with left-handed pitcher Jon Lester on five-year contract with option for 2014  —  BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms on a five-year contract with lefthanded pitcher Jon Lester with a club option for 2014.  Terms were not disclosed.

Padres pick up reliever Sanchez  —  GM Towers says former Mets pitcher will compete for 'pen role  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — In their 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 on Sunday.

AL East becoming a pitching division  —  There are variables in every case, such as the health of Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, David Ortiz, J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell, as well as B.J. Upton's left shoulder.  But as we reach the Ides of March, it remains evident that the American League East …

Hamels Has Elbow Soreness, Flying to Philadelphia  —  Cole Hamels has soreness in his left elbow and is flying to Philadelphia tonight to be examined tomorrow by team physician Michael Ciccotti.  —  “We do not think it is serious, at least at this time” Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

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 …

Hensley out of rotation race  —  Ortiz, Capellan front-runners for Astros' fifth and final spot  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Clay Hensley is out of the mix for a job in the Astros' rotation, manager Cecil Cooper revealed Sunday morning.  —  The race for the fifth-starter job appears to be down to three …

Bondy: Bernie deserves a better sendoff  —  In case you missed it, scandal groped clumsily, shamefully last week for Bernie Williams, of all people.  And for that, we all ought to be ashamed of ourselves.  —  It turns out there is a limit to the cynicism that abounds inside a sports columnist.

Utley feeling good after spring debut  —  Phils second baseman on track to be in Opening Day lineup  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Chase Utley had the infamous surgery on his infamous right hip Nov. 24.  —  He played in a Grapefruit League game Sunday.  —  Utley, whose recovery time had been estimated …

The Nats' Love Don't Cost A Thing  —  In November, the Nationals contacted Julian Tavarez, inviting him to spring training on a non-guaranteed minor league contract.  Tavarez, 35, said no.  —  But Tavarez kept on waiting.  Spring training neared, and the right-hander was still very much unemployed.

Texas Rangers taking advantage of extended camp  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Texas Rangers have had little drama and only minor injuries to date during a camp that will stretch on for 47 days to help accommodate the World Baseball Classic.  —  “A month ago we were all hoping to get spring training started …