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.

An Apology  —  I owe an apology, because I said something stupid.  Really stupid.  I regret it tremendously.  This is certainly not the first time I've felt terrible or stupid, but it is my first time writing about these feelings on a baseball blog.  Why?  Because I want you to know how I feel about my job.

Flushing in Flushing  —  I threw myself a birthday party on Saturday afternoon, and everyone who showed up asked, “So what have you done so far on your special day?”  And for once I had a really good answer: “I spent the morning flushing a toilet at the Mets' new stadium.”

What's next for pitchers  —  Manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell chatted with Justin Masterson this morning about his role for the season, which is still undecided, and his upcoming schedule, which is.  Masterson will start in a minor league game Thursday and throw five innings …

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.

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 …