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 …

Mets sign catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to a Minor League contract  —  The New York Mets today signed catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.  He is expected to join the team and be in uniform on Tuesday.  —  Alomar, 40, appeared in 27 games …

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.

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.

Notes: Weeks to see doctor this week  —  Brewers want precautionary exam of surgically repaired wrist  —  PHOENIX — Brewers manager Ned Yost said it's "way too soon" for red flags, but Rickie Weeks' sore right wrist was concerning enough for the club to schedule a visit this week with the doctor …

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.

Bullpen seeking old form  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The year 2004 keeps popping up in discussions about the 2007 Rangers bullpen.  —  Reliever Ron Mahay said Sunday that this Texas relief corps could be as good as the one he pitched for three years ago.  Closer Eric Gagné has a similar feeling …

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.

Career not about to close for Jones  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Todd Jones loves "MythBusters" on the Discovery Channel, a show that punches holes in popular myths and urban legends.  It's easy to understand why.  —  Myth: Jones no longer could be a consistent closer.  —  Myth: Jones couldn't pitch in big games.

Notes: Dodgers likely have order down  —  Rotation, top of lineup probably set but not yet made public  —  VERO BEACH, Fla. — Manager Grady Little wouldn't reveal specifics and hasn't notified the players affected, but he indicated that he's already decided in which order his starting rotation …