Mets make the call: Santana to start opener  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Months of guarded optimism have led to an ideal outcome for the Mets.  Johan Santana will start Opening Day, as the team has hoped since the moment last season ended.  —  Team officials came to the final decision Sunday morning …

Ranking the major league managers  —  Maddon, Leyland, and Scioscia push the right buttons in our annual rankings  —  With top-tier guys such as Tony La Russa and Terry Francona out of the picture this year, our annual managerial rankings present a challenge.

Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero ‘sick of going home in October’  —  CLEARWATER, FLA.—Ricky Romero is done with spring training.  —  So antsy to be rid of the exhibition season is the Blue Jays' ace lefty that after his final Grapefruit League start was cut short by a windy downpour, he was already looking beyond the regular season.

Even after Michael Pineda injury, Yankees GM Brian Cashman still made right move trading Jesus Montero to Mariners for pitcher  —  Second-guessers may come out of woodwork, but Cash made right play  —  KISSIMMEE — Late Friday night, after Michael Pineda had put a scare into the Yankees …

Pujols' homer backs strong start from Richards  —  MESA, Ariz. — Albert Pujols belted his sixth spring home run for the Angels, but the Cubs scored the equalizing run in the sixth inning when Reed Johnson stole home to force a 3-3 tie on Saturday.  —  Howie Kendrick doubled with one out in the Angels …

Report: Juan Carlos Oviedo faces six-week suspension  —  Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly known as Leo Nunez) is still in his native Dominican Republic, working to finish the assigned hours of community service that stand between him and a freshly-stamped work visa.

Bourgeois sees time at second base  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Outfielder Jason Bourgeois played the last two innings at second base for the Royals on Saturday.  But he had no fielding chances.  —  “I got to see him stand out there,” manager Ned Yost said wryly.  “But he looked good standing.”

Branyan re-signed, continues back rehab  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Russell Branyan thought that a strong spring might have him breaking camp in a Yankees uniform, but the 36-year-old slugger wasn't able to get to the plate for even a single at-bat.  —  Branyan suffered a herniated disc in his lower …

Kershaw puts final touches on solid spring  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In a game featuring Opening Day starters Ian Kennedy and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers beat the D-backs, 9-3, on Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd at Salt River Fields.  —  The Dodgers jumped on Kennedy …

Gutierrez cleared to throw, Millwood reunites with teammates  —  Mariners center fielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will open the season on the disabled list from a partially torn pectoral muscle, says he is ahead of schedule on his rehab.  —  “I'm recovering fast,” he said.  “I feel good.”

Gamel slams as Brewers blast Padres  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Mat Gamel hit a grand slam to highlight a six-run third inning and later added a solo shot Saturday as the Brewers defeated the Padres, 10-7, in a Cactus League game at the Peoria Sports Complex.  —  Milwaukee pitcher Chris Narveson allowed …