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 …

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.

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 …

Injury to Lugo cuts position duel short  —  Knee tear clears way for Jed Lowrie to be starter  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - So much for the shortstop battle.  —  The path cleared yesterday for Jed Lowrie to be the Opening Day starter, after the Red Sox [team stats] said Julio Lugo [stats] …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Mets shut down Redding, claim Nieve  —  Right-hander experiencing weakness in pitching shoulder  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The starting pitching depth the Mets sought during the offseason and believed they achieved has taken a hit.  Right-handed pitcher Tim Redding, one of the four hurlers competing …

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 …

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 …

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.