Tavarez: Ramírez a latecomer  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox pitcher Julian Tavarez said in a TV interview last night that Manny Ramírez will not report to camp until March 1 because his mother requires surgery for an undisclosed reason.  —  Tavarez, who is good friends …

Britton eager for a chance  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Chris Britton did not get above Class A ball in his first five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.  But with the team desperate for relief help last season, he was summoned to the majors on April 12.  —  Britton was one of the best rookie pitchers …

Jones: I never asked for a trade  —  Outfielder wants to erase tumultuous '06 experience  —  MESA, Ariz. — Let's set the record straight: Jacque Jones did not ask to be traded from the Cubs.  —  "I never asked for a trade," Jones said Saturday.  "Was I uncomfortable with some things that happened?

Nats sign Belliard to Minor League deal  —  Infielder hit .272 with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs in 2006  —  VIERA, Fla. — Looking to strengthen their bench, protect themselves in case of an injury to starting shortstop Cristian Guzman and help themselves for the trade deadline …

Very few safe bets to start  —  Glavine, El Duque are 1-2 in the rotation, but rest is wide open  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — With so many questions about the Mets' starting rotation, let's start the discussion with what we do know.  Pedro Martinez will not be part of it until at least July.

A New Met Defies Age and Pressure in the Bullpen  —  Ambiorix Burgos's transition to the Mets began with a change in hairstyle.  Gone is the clean-cut look he fashioned last season in Kansas City, ditched in favor of straggly curls that resemble fireworks exploding from his head.

Mulder traces troubles to '04 season with A's  —  JUPITER, FLA. — Rehabilitating lefthander Mark Mulder believes shoulder problems that ultimately forced him to undergo rotator cuff surgery last September originated in June 2004, about six months before the Cardinals acquired him from the Oakland A's in a trade.

Thumb's up for Lo Duca  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Paul Lo Duca took swings yesterday for the first time since he had surgery four months ago to repair a ligament tear in his left thumb and indicated he felt fine.  Lo Duca had been sidelined the previous two days with suspected food poisoning.

Everything all Wright with HoJo  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - David Wright still vividly recalls the message waiting for him when he turned on his cell phone after landing at LaGuardia Airport on July 21, 2004.  —  "Just go up there and break all my records," Howard Johnson had said on the recording.

REGGAETON FAN REYES RECORDS STUDIO TRACKS  —  At times in the latter part of last season, Jose Reyes would come to the plate at Shea with a song playing on the public address system.  —  A song he recorded.  —  Reyes, the Mets' magnificent All-Star shortstop, is a huge fan of reggaeton …

Gonzalez ready to get started  —  JUPITER - Pitchers and catchers report.  —  That phrase is synonymous with hope and new beginnings.  Nobody knows that better than Fredi Gonzalez, who waited 43 years for Saturday to roll around.  —  ''No, I'm not antsy.

Cate travels road to redemption  —  JUPITER, FLA. — As a young, aspiring pitcher, Troy Cate decided to delay his career and devote two formative years to a religious mission.  He returned and stormed his way back into baseball, only to jeopardize it all with another choice.  —  One he has pitched to overcome.

Notes: Extra option for McGowan  —  Right-hander will most likely start 2007 season in Minors  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dustin McGowan still figures into the Blue Jays' plans.  As has been the case for the past few seasons, though, the question remains: How soon?