Santana eager to negotiate new deal with Twins … FORT MYERS, Fla. — Despite the fact the he won't be a free agent until after the 2008 season, Johan Santana says that the Minnesota Twins should try to sign him to a long-term extension sooner rather than later.

Sosa goes deep for first time in 19 months  —  Sammy Sosa had something to hop about for the first time in a while.  —  Showing he's still got some pop in his bat, Sosa hit his first home run in 19 months to help the Texas Rangers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Sunday in Surprise, Ariz.

Healthy Pavano Can Focus on Pitching for Yankees  —  Carl Pavano made a spring training start Sunday, and sure enough, the Yankees' trainer was on the field after one batter.  He was there to check on the left fielder, José Tábata, who had fallen to the ground in pursuit of a fly ball.

Wright wants Shea-Rod  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Can you imagine Alex Rodriguez in a Mets uniform in 2008?  It's not just impossible, you say, it's heresy.  Or is it?  The idea of A-Rod crossing enemy lines has strong support from none other than David Wright - who says he'd give …

Maine impresses as Mets fall to O's  —  Righty tosses two scoreless innings; Humber allows five runs  —  ORIOLES 6, METS 3  —  Mets at the plate: Outfielder Lastings Milledge tripled with one out in the second inning but wound up stranded on third base.  David Newhan singled in the third …

Grudzielanek due surgery after exam reveals torn knee cartilage  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek became the Royals' first major spring casualty Sunday when an examination revealed torn cartilage in his left knee.  —  Grudzielanek left camp in late morning for Kansas City …

Making of an MVP  —  Reyes ready to run away with award from leadoff spot  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - MVP voters dig the longball.  But, says Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, don't count out Jose Reyes stealing the award in the not-too-distant future, despite a power infatuation that sometimes shortchanges leadoff men.

Race remains an issue, but for different reasons  —  Spring training invites hope throughout baseball, with one exception.  When it comes to black Americans returning to the game or even embracing it in great numbers, there's no hope.  —  Here at the Mets' camp, only a handful of players are black.

Angels' Moreno unhappy with uncertainty on Matthews  —  Owner says he expects a resolution by opening day regarding the center fielder's alleged link to human growth hormone shipment.  —  TEMPE, ARIZ. — Angels owner Arte Moreno said Sunday he would not let the uncertain situation surrounding …

Johjima's little secret  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - Kenji Johjima reached inside his locker to grab his most prized possession.  He doesn't like sharing it with people, because the information inside tends to be of the proprietary type.  —  "I've got some numbers in my little black book," Johjima said.

Prospectus Q&A  —  Reid Nichols … David Laurila: What brought you to Milwaukee, and what approach did you bring to the table when you became the team's Director of Player Development?  —  Reid Nichols: I had been in Texas for eight years—seven as farm director and the last as the Rangers …

Chi White Sox 13, Chi Cubs 2  —  MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Paul Konerko hit two solo home runs and Jermaine Dye hit a three-run homer to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Chicago Cubs 13-2 Sunday.  —  Konerko homered off Cubs starter Rich Hill in the first inning and John Webb in the fifth.

Maddux pitches two scoreless innings  —  Gonzalez homers, doubles among three hits for Padres  —  A's 4, Padres 3  —  Padres at the plate: It looked like the same old Adrian Gonzalez as last season, as the first baseman went 3-for-3 with an opposite-field home run and a double.

Cox says he might retire after 2 more years  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Cox is beginning to think about retirement.  —  While he hasn't made a final decision, the longtime Atlanta Braves manager said Saturday that he might step aside after two more seasons.

Good afternoon from Fort Myers  —  Good afternoon from Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers:  —  A quiet Sunday before the big spring training matchup between Curt Schilling and Cy Young winner Johan Santana.  Here are a few notes from the early part of the day:  — Early morning at the Sox complex was quiet.

Crosby takes BP for first time this spring  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Oakland Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby faced live pitching Sunday for the first time this spring and showed no lingering effects from the back injury that sidelined him for the final two months last season.

What a relief!  McCarthy covets fresh start  —  He wasn't very happy in Chicago, but he has potential to thrill Rangers, writes Phil Rogers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Brandon McCarthy still doesn't get it.  —  But in dealing with the surprising off-season trade that sent him from the White Sox …