Was Pedro worth it?  You better believe it  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — It was worth it.  —  Even if Pedro Martinez never pitches another inning for the Mets, it was worth signing him.  For that matter, the deal that took the pitcher out of Boston and landed him in New York …

Welcome to the club, Sammy  —  Daniels says Sosa, Hairston expected to be on opening day roster  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Maybe it was fitting Thursday that designated hitter Sammy Sosa blasted a home run on the day general manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Sosa had practically made the team.

Marlins still in market for closer  —  KISSIMMEE — Manager Fredi Gonzalez wouldn't mind finding out if the Marlins can produce the next Jonathan Papelbon, who emerged as a rookie last season to be Boston's bullpen ace.  But with two weeks left in camp, Florida's front office still is trying …

Mariners Notebook: Morrow impresses Johjima  —  MESA, Ariz. — If you ask catcher Kenji Johjima about Brandon Morrow, Seattle's 2006 first-round draft choice could very well be up with the Mariners sooner rather than later.  —  Johjima caught Morrow for two innings in Seattle's 9-3 loss …

'Little strain' sidelines Wood  —  With Prior struggling, it seems like typical spring for Cubs  —  MESA, Ariz. — The days of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior dominating the talk of a Cubs spring training were supposed to be over, but there were the former co-aces of the pitching staff Thursday standing …

Carp lookin' sharp at Met camp  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Mike Carp introduced himself to Damion Easley during an informal workout even before Mets position players reported, eager to share the news that they both attended Lakewood High School in Southern California.  —  "He was saying how he had a couple of records," Carp recalled.

Notes: Igawa still making adjustments  —  Cabrera flashes leather; Hughes, Ehlers honored before game  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Eight of Kei Igawa's first nine pitches missed the strike zone Thursday, and with two Atlanta Braves on base and none out, Ron Guidry made an unexpectedly early trot to the mound.

Items from around Florida and Arizona ...  Around the horn at spring training:  — The Cardinals' starting pitching has been a pleasant surprise; right-handers Kip Wells, Braden Looper and Adam Wainwright have combined to allow three runs in 352/3 innings.

Hope and Faith  —  How the Detroit Tigers Can Win the World Series … The Tigers are the paramount example of just why we're running this series.  Out of all of the major sports, baseball provides perhaps the best balance between luck and skill.  The idea of the Cincinnati Reds …

King of pain  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Darin Erstad was going on about the wonder of his little girl taking her first solo steps this week, how he stood back and counted each trembling stride, "One, two, three, four, five ... ."  —  He sighed.  —  "Amazing," he said, sweetly.  "It was great."

White hopes he can heat up with Mariners  —  Ex-Husky and his fastball making a mark after Seattle picked him up via Rule 5 draft  —  MESA, Ariz. — Sean White spent the winter in Seattle after being picked up by the Mariners in the Rule 5 draft at the winter meetings.

Relievers in short supply around baseball  —  TICK, TICK, TICK.  The Phillies have 2 weeks left in Florida.  Their bullpen remains unsettled.  —  The Phillies are on the clock.  —  And while it's probably no consolation, they're not the only team looking for relief help.

Former MLB commissioner Kuhn dies at 80  —  PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn, who lorded over baseball during 15 tumultuous years that saw players gain free agency and start the spiral of multimillion-dollar salaries, died Thursday.  He was 80.