Hamels' elbow to be examined  —  Phillies ace has been experiencing discomfort, tightness  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies are calling the discomfort in Cole Hamels' left elbow nothing more than a little soreness or tightness.  —  But whatever it is, it has been persistent …

Justice: Astros' poor spring no cause for alarm  —  Astros general manager Ed Wade (left) and manager Cecil Cooper (right) don't need to worry about job security just yet, Richard Justice writes.  —  Resources  —  Sorry, your version of Flash doesn't support this video.

Some Thoughts On (And From) Lastings Milledge  —  You can read the paper version of my Milledge-Dukes story here.  The DMTP stuff on this one — especially w/r/t to Milledge — is expansive, so maybe that's a timely fit for all the Milledge-related debate we've seen here in the last day(s).

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.

Team USA finishes off Netherlands  —  Rollins, Roberts combine for five hits, five RBIs at top of order  —  MIAMI — Team USA is safe for at least another game.  —  Facing elimination on Sunday night, the United States rebounded with a convincing 9-3 win over The Netherlands at Dolphin Stadium.

Gary Matthews Jr. wants more playing time with the Angels  —  'My goal is to play every day. . . . I don't intend to sit around and play a couple times a week like last year,' the outfielder says.  —  Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. — Gary Matthews Jr., who ranks no higher than fifth …

Rockies tab Chacin to start Monday  —  Opening Day starter Cook shifted to Minor League game  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — The Rockies will start right-handed pitching prospect Jhoulys Chacin on Monday against the D-backs at Tucson Electric Park, and shift No. 1 starter Aaron Cook to a Minor League game.

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 …

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.

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.

Mets' Evans making Manuel rethink trip to minors  —  JUPITER, Fla. - One day after saying he thought Nick Evans would be better off playing every day in Triple-A instead of sitting on the major-league bench, manager Jerry Manuel said Evans' strong showing in spring training might force the Mets to reconsider that.

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 …

Spring record no concern to Berkman  —  First baseman would rather focus on big picture than worry  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Lance Berkman isn't good at the “doom and gloom” thing, so to ask him to admonish his team for its truly abysmal win-loss record this spring is like asking Brangelina to stop posing for the paparazzi.

Spring Game 20: Phillies at Yankees  —  YANKEES  —  Pitching today: Joba Chamberlain, Brian Bruney, Kei Igawa, Dave Robertson.  —  PHILLIES  —  Bruntlett SS  —  Donald 3B  —  Ibanez LF  —  Howard 1B  —  Werth CF  —  Stairs DH  —  Jenkins RF  —  Harman 2B  —  Paulino C