NY Mets front office considered releasing Michael Pelfrey before Opening Day  —  Pelfrey follows news with strongest outing on Thursday, allowing one run in 6.1 innings  —  Michael Pelfrey's future with the Mets may not last past this season, as sources say the team considered cutting the righthander before Opening Day.

No recourse in Carpenter case  —  Injured reliever passed physicals  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Red Sox had complete access to Chris Carpenter's medical records, and the pitcher passed both his Cubs physical and Red Sox physical after he was sent to Boston as compensation for Theo Epstein …

Hawpe released by Rangers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers have given Brad Hawpe his unconditional release in order for him to look for a Major League job elsewhere.  They have also invited him back if he can't find one.  —  “We've talked to some other teams, hopefully there are some opportunities …

Florida prosecutor drops battery charge against Manny Ramirez  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A Florida prosecutor has dismissed a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against baseball star Manny Ramirez [stats] because his wife won't cooperate in the investigation.

Dickey wants Mets to pick up option now  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — R.A. Dickey could be headed toward a more certain future with the Mets.  —  According to a source, team brass has already begun discussing various possibilities — with no resolution — on which direction to move with Dickey …

Pregame notes: Yankees prepared for all rotation options  —  Yesterday Joe Girardi spoke in glowing terms about Freddy Garcia, and today he left very open the possibility of optioning either Ivan Nova or Michael Pineda to Triple-A to start the season.  —  “There's no gaurantee that the sixth starter goes to the bullpen,” Girardi said.

A long Los Angeles nightmare ends  —  THERE has never been a shortage of examples to illustrate the old adage that life isn't fair.  But few can compete with the tale of Frank McCourt, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, now that he has agreed to sell the club for an eye-popping $2.15 billion.

Montero looking for V-Mart deal; no chance to get it with D-Backs  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Improving Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero is said to be looking for a deal similar to Victor Martinez's $52-million, four-year contract, and the chances for him to make a deal with Arizona appear slim under those conditions.

Angels, Indians in Abreu trade talks  —  The Los Angeles Angels are discussing a trade that would send designated hitter/outfielder Bobby Abreu to the Cleveland Indians, according to major-league sources.  —  A deal is not certain to be completed, with one source describing the possibility as “50-50.”

Sanchez shows Marlins shoulder is OK  —  JUPITER, Fla.—JUPITER, Fla. — Anibal Sanchez put to rest any questions about the Miami Marlins' rotation.  —  Sanchez allowed a run in five innings, including Carlos Beltran's second homer, and the Miami Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 Thursday.