Tavarez: one strike, one brawl  —  Sox reliever punches a D-Ray in latest fracas  —  Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez is set to hit Tampa Bay's Joey Gathright in the jaw yesterday on a play at the plate in the eighth inning.  (AP Photo)  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — There have been enough brawls …

Mets' bullpen far from set  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets manager Willie Randolph said naming his bullpen would "go down to the wire."  And if he was bluffing, everybody was cooperating.  —  "Other than Billy," submariner Chad Bradford said, nodding over his shoulder to closer Billy Wagner, "I don't think there's anything settled.

Mariners propelled by six-run first  —  Rangers unable to cope with early offensive barrage  —  MARINERS 10, RANGERS 9  —  Mariners at the plate: Roberto Petagine had a two-run double to cap the Mariners' six-run first inning.  He also had a double in the sixth inning that scored Corky Miller from first base.

White Sox set Opening Day roster  —  Rookie left-hander Logan makes team after good spring  —  MESA, Ariz. — Boone Logan came along for the ride to HoHoKam Park on Monday, with pitching coach Don Cooper simply wanting the young left-hander to experience the excitement surrounding a Cubs-White Sox contest.

Rangers cut ties with Durazo, Wasdin  —  Moves may clear a spot for Rule 5 draft pick Castro  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers have released first baseman/designated hitter Erubiel Durazo and placed pitcher John Wasdin on waivers, a move that could open a spot on the Opening Day roster for Rule 5 draft pick Fabio Castro.

Astros' insurance claim on Bagwell denied  —  HOUSTON — An insurance claim filed by the Houston Astros to try to recoup $15.6 million of injured first baseman Jeff Bagwell's contract has been denied.  —  The Astros, who in January deemed Bagwell too injured to play, filed the claim …

Nationals blanked by Cardinals  —  Astacio hit hard in five-inning stint for Washington  —  CARDINALS 7, NATIONALS 0  —  Nationals at the plate: Brandon Watson, Jose Vidro, Brian Schneider and Royce Clayton all singled.  Washington did not have an extra-base hit.

Prior throws for first time in two weeks  —  Cubs still have no timetable for ace's return  —  MESA, Ariz. — Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, sidelined for two weeks with a strained muscle in his right shoulder, was able to play catch on Monday, but neither he nor the medical staff can set …

Notes: Barfield locks up second base  —  Padres rookie named starter; Bellhorn to backup role  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — The obvious has become official.  Josh Barfield is the Padres' second baseman.  —  Manager Bruce Bochy informed the rookie he'd earned the job on Monday, a rare day off for Barfield.

Randy beans ma of love child  —  Yank ace suing ex-gal pal over payments for girl, 16  —  BY MICHAELA WHEATLEY in Langley, Wash. and DAVE GOLDINER in New York  —  Randy Johnson has a secret love child - and the Yankees superstar is playing hardball with the girl's mom, it was revealed yesterday.

Five Questions: Philadelphia Phillies  —  Despite his reputation for being one of the smartest men in baseball, Phillies general manager Pat Gillick didn't come to Philadelphia with a cutting-edge plan.  He was going to make himself comfortable with familiar players, and he didn't care how many people he'd alienate along the way.

Reitsma injured in win over Yankees  —  Braves closer forced to leave contest with tight left hamstring  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Chris Reitsma was forced to leave Monday night's game against the Yankees with what appears to be a slight strain of his left hamstring.

Yankees edged by Braves  —  A-Rod blasts third spring homer; Giambi collects three hits  —  BRAVES 5, YANKEES 4  —  Braves at the plate: Ryan Langerhans' RBI single capped the four-run sixth-inning the Braves used to claim a comeback victory.  Adam LaRoche's three-run homer highlighted the sixth inning.