METS, SOX BUTT HEADS OVER SANTANA  —  Teams involved in the Johan Santana sweepstakes confirm the Twins have intensified their efforts in the past 48 hours to generate the best offers from the main suitors - and indications are, this has come down to the Mets and the Red Sox for arguably the majors' best starter.

Miller out to make early impression  —  JUPITER — New Marlins pitcher Andrew Miller, playing catch along with 30 teammates at an informal workout Monday, was easy to spot: He was the guy wearing the long-sleeved Detroit Tigers shirt.  —  “It was a little chilly this morning,” said Miller …

Bedard trade talks reach standstill  —  Source says O's, Mariners agree to general framework for deal, but potential move being held up on Baltimore's end  —  Talks between the Seattle Mariners and Orioles about a trade involving ace pitcher Erik Bedard are at a standstill.

Phillies close to signing free agent Feliz  —  Two-year deal would give club new everyday third baseman  —  PHILADELPHIA — The pursuit of Pedro Feliz has intensified, and the Phillies are close to signing the free-agent third baseman to a two-year deal.  —  An agreement is believed …

CANO RESIGNS WITH YANKS  —  The terms on Robinson Cano's Yankee contract were finalized in full early tonight, and all that needs to be completed for the deal to be official is a physical that will take place either tomorrow or the next day, The Post has learned.

Nationals to sign catcher Estrada  —  Switch-hitting veteran gives Washington options on offense  —  WASHINGTON — Looking to bolster their offense even more, the Nationals agreed to terms on a $1.25 million contract with catcher Johnny Estrada, pending a physical, according to a baseball source.

Chamberlain could start ‘08 in Yankees’ bullpen  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain could begin this season in the bullpen before moving to the New York Yankees' starting rotation.  —  Chamberlain, a sensational reliever as a big league rookie last season, is already throwing off a mound …

What Do the Statistics Say about Roger Clemens's Steroid Use?  —  In an interesting move, Roger Clemens has fired back at Brian McNamee's steroid allegations in the Mitchell Report.  Using a report of his own, his representatives examine his late-career performance as a pitcher.

Sox deal for pitcher!  (No, not that one)  —  While the Johan Santana trade talks near some resolution — the Twins seem certain to make a decision one way or another before the start of spring training — the Sox made a deal for a relief pitcher, David Aardsma, who split last season between the White Sox and Triple-A.

Cliff Corcoran: Where will Bonds land?  —  Where should the home run champ land?  —  There's an elephant in baseball's living room.  With pitchers and catchers due to report in less than three weeks, most teams have finished building their 2008 squads.  There are still a fair number …