Meet the Mets  —  Former darkhorse takes the lead in Santana derby  —  Once written off as an extreme long shot in the long-running Johan Santana drama, the Mets may actually be the favorite now.  At the very least, there are indications now that they are engaging in more regular dialogue …

Yankees spent record $218.3M on 2007 payroll  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees did finish first in something last year — spending.  —  While their streak of AL East titles ended at nine, the Yankees wound up with a record payroll of $218.3 million.  —  The World Series champion Boston Red Sox …

Rays ink Shields to long-term deal  —  Contract guaranteed for four years with three one-year options  —  ST. PETERSBURG — James Shields is going to be with the Rays for a long time.  —  As expected Wednesday afternoon, the Rays announced at a news conference they had signed …

Agent: Cano interested in long-term deal  —  The Yankees could lock up Robinson Cano, their All-Star second baseman, to a long-term deal before he hits free agency.  (Newsday / Paul J. Bereswill)  —  Robinson Cano would be open to the idea of signing a long-term contract with the Yankees, his agent, Bobby Barad, said yesterday.

Colletti chats about third base, Mattingly  —  Dodgers general manager answers fans' questions online … Ned Colletti: Thanks for taking part in this chat.  I'm looking forward to taking your questions so let's get started.  —  eastchamps: Will Juan Pierre now play left field with the acquisition of Andruw Jones?

Wright weighs in on steroid discussion  —  Third baseman believes drug usage in baseball is 'behind us'  —  NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. — David Wright's squeaky clean image is often the first thing to preclude him from discussions of baseball's problems.  Rumors of steroids — or anything like them …

Q and A with Alan Horne  —  Q: How were you informed of your spring training invitation?  —  A: I got a call from our head of minor league operations Mark Newman. and Nardi Contreras, our pitching coordinator, also gave me a call over the last week sometime.  —  Q: What was your reaction?

Betancourt earns raise from Tribe  —  Reliever tied for American League lead in holds in 2007  —  CLEVELAND — When it comes to the job of setting up a closer, Rafael Betancourt is one of the best in baseball.  —  And in doing that job, Betancourt has set himself up with a hefty raise and a measure of stability.

Cubs unleash bold, new ad campaign  —  Promotions international in scope with dash of local flavor  —  CHICAGO — Kosuke Fukudome is among the players featured in a new ad campaign unveiled on Tuesday designed to showcase the international breadth and depth of the Cubs.

Focus on outfields: National League  —  With spring training about a month away, Sporting News takes a look at how teams are shaping up for the opening of camp.  Here is SN's ranking of National League outfields.  —  1. ROCKIES  —  LF Matt Holliday, CF Willy Taveras, RF Brad Hawpe.

Around the Horn: Outfielders  —  Anchored by Beltran, trio looking to provide steady production … The Mets' 2007 season was defined by what wasn't achieved.  In much the same way, the subsequent months have been all about what hasn't been accomplished, the acquisition of a front-of-the-rotation pitcher …

Pirates, Wright agree to minor-league contract  —  The Pirates have agreed to terms on a minor-league contract with Jaret Wright, a right-handed starter who pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees before shoulder soreness cost him most of last season.

Brewers invite Nunez to camp  —  All winter, I've been wondering if the Brewers needed another utility infielder to go with Craig Counsell, particularly up the middle in the event something happens to shortstop J.J. Hardy or second baseman Rickie Weeks.  —  The Brewers apparently have been concerned about the same thing.