Calling it quits  —  “Turn out the lights the parties over” ...  I used to wait with baited breath for Don Meredith to start singing that on Monday night football.  Normally it was sweet music if the Steelers were playing.  —  If I could get him to sing it again I would.  This party has officially ended.

Yankees' Ace Has Become a Leader  —  TAMPA, Fla. — C. C. Sabathia played the role of good teammate on Sunday and, as usual, it came naturally.  Sabathia uses a slide step from the stretch, which helped Jorge Posada catch three potential base stealers in a minor league game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Available players, Teahen, Harang and more  —  • Some of the players being dangled because of roster space and economics: Geoff Jenkins, Phillies; Brian Giles, Padres; Gary Matthews Jr., Angels; Marcus Thames, Tigers; Nick Johnson, Nationals; Jason Repko, Dodgers; Jeff Baker, Rockies.

Braves' other Jones having spring jam  —  Athletic outfielder raking after poor Grapefruit League last year  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Brandon Jones has a knack for masking his emotions.  There were no apparent signs of disgust when he squandered an opportunity to make last year's Opening Day roster.

Padres' offense could surprise  —  Club posting impressive numbers, despite naysayers  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — If San Diego's offense were a restaurant, it would be getting one-star reviews from some observers.  —  Scouts have generally been remarkably unimpressed by the Padres' lineup.

Mets 12, Braves 1: Johan rolls  —  Johan Santana tossed five solid innings, limiting the Braves to a solo homer by Matt Diaz in his final frame and one other hit, as the Mets won, 12-1, Sunday.  Dillon Gee, Mike Antonini, Pedro Feliciano and Sean Green combined for four scoreless relief innings.

Tom Verducci: Japan gives USA lesson on WBC intensity, details … 1. Japan taught the United States a lesson Sunday with its 9-4 semifinal victory.  Is anybody in America listening?  Three of the four finalists in the two World Baseball Classics have been teams from Asia, including the all-Asian final Monday between Japan and Korea.

Replacing Mauer  —  After meeting with various doctors about his back injury, Joe Mauer admitted Friday that he's unlikely to be ready for Opening Day and general manager Bill Smith explained that “there's not a timetable right now to say when he is going to be on the field.”

Dave Roberts not ready to announce his retirement, but he's leaning that way  —  I just got off the phone with Dave Roberts.  He isn't ready to announce his retirement just yet, but he is leaning that way.  Roberts has told his agent, John Boggs, to be selective.  He won't play just anywhere in a bid to extend his career.

Sunday Notebook: Jones Willing To Be A Part-Time Player; Rangers Remain Committed To Chris Davis And More  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Andruw Jones passed perhaps his most significant test of the spring Sunday morning: It was the test of enthusiasm.  —  He assured the Rangers of his desire to play for the club …