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 …

Pedro's most likely landing spot, Manny's next contract and more … JUPITER, Fla. — While the Dodgers may be the most likely landing spot for Cooperstown-bound pitcher Pedro Martinez, the Mets can't quite be ruled out yet.  And though one Mets person said a significant gap remains between …

Good news on Cano and Marte  —  The Yankees got good news on second baseman Robinson Cano and lefthanded reliever Damaso Marte.  —  Both Cano and Marte underwent MRI examinations this morning, and neither is expected to miss significant time.  Cano was diagnosed with right shoulder bursitis and Marte with left shoulder inflammation.

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).

ROTATION CLOSE AS FIVE YANKS-KETEERS  —  TAMPA - Andy Pettitte warmed up early yesterday afternoon and - as has been the case all spring when the Yankees are at home - he was not alone.  —  On a suggestion from A.J. Burnett before a Feb. 28 game at Steinbrenner Field, the members …

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 …

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.

Hoffpauir among 25; Lou stumps for a 26th  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Cubs manager Lou Piniella made a plea Sunday that is certain to fall on deaf ears.  —  “I was telling our general manager the other day, ‘We need a 26-man roster.  Then we would be covered in all areas,”’ Piniella said.  “He started to laugh.

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.

Marlins return Kroenke to Yankees  —  The Marlins did not strike Rule 5 gold again as they opted to return left-hander Zach Kroenke to the Yankees this morning.  —  Kroenke totaled one inning over two Grapefruit League appearances, including one disastrous outing in which he failed to retire any of the seven batters he faced.

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 …

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.