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.

Shawn Hill Signs With Padres (And Other Notes)  —  * Let's start things off with news about Shawn Hill.  The right-hander, released by the Nationals on Wednesday, has just signed with the San Diego Padres.  It's a non-guaranteed minor league deal, Hill said.

POSADA ‘THROWS’ A PARTY  —  TAMPA Jorge Posada may not have a better day this spring, and he didn't even get a hit.  —  “Today is special,” the Yankee catcher said yesterday after throwing out three of four runners attempting to steal.  —  It was a leap forward for Posada …

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.”

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.