Mets introduce Johan Santana  —  Forget the historic collapse of 2007.  That's the Mets' goal, and Wednesday they showed off the player they believe is the perfect person to lead them into 2008 with a clean slate.  —  The Mets officially unveiled Johan Santana at a packed news conference held inside the Diamond Club of Shea Stadium.

Lawyers: Brian McNamee has physical evidence linking Roger Clemens to steroids  —  Brian McNamee has turned over physical evidence to federal investigators that he believes will show Roger Clemens used performance-enhancing drugs, according to McNamee's lawyers.

Rangers hire Ryan as club president  —  Team will introduce Hall of Fame pitcher on Wednesday  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers are hiring Nolan Ryan as their new club president, team officials confirmed on Wednesday.  —  Ryan is expected to be introduced at a 3 p.m. CT press conference at The Ballpark in Arlington.

No sign of resolution in O's-Mariners Bedard deal  —  The Erik Bedard trade, reported to be “near completion” for days now, is giving the term “snail's pace” a new meaning.  —  Bedard was still at home Tuesday night in Ontario, Canada, according to the Baltimore Sun, a sign that the trade …

Tino Martinez rejoins Yanks as special instructor  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Tino Martinez played on four World Series championship teams with the New York Yankees.  Now the former first baseman is back as a special instructor.  —  Martinez joined the Yankees on Wednesday at the team's minor league complex …

Sox re-sign Kielty to one-year deal  —  BOBBY KIELTY Memorable homer in Series  —  While new backup first baseman Sean Casey was being introduced at Fenway Park yesterday, the Red Sox were busy making a signing that could be a harbinger of another move.  For their outfield …

Around the Horn: Bullpen  —  Much of unit's fortune hinges on effectiveness of Sanchez … NEW YORK — No, Johan Santana is not in the Mets' bullpen, though he might as well be.  He'll have nearly as profound an effect on that group as he will on the rotation.

Saturday is Truck Day  —  It's not exactly Groundhog Day, but it's as much a sign that spring is around the corner in New England as any shadow-seeking critter.  That's right, Sox fans, Truck Day is almost here.  —  The 18-wheeler that carries the Red Sox' spring training equipment from Boston …

Benson spurs Phillies' interest  —  The Phillies are apparently a lot more serious about free-agent pitcher Kris Benson than they've let on.  —  Benson has thrown privately for Phillies scout Chuck LaMar twice in the last week, a baseball source said after Benson's most recent audition yesterday in Atlanta.

Lefty Miller returns to Rays  —  Left-handed reliever Trever Miller has agreed to a one-year major-league contract with the Rays that includes a team option for 2009, he said today.  The deal is expected to become official later today or tomorrow, once the final results from the physical Miller took Tuesday come in.

Notes: Slowes set for fourth season  —  Radio man's signature calls to usher in Nationals Park  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals have agreed to terms with radio play-by-play broadcaster Charlie Slowes to return to the team for a fourth season, according to two baseball sources.

Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal are cockfighters  —  What do pitchers Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal have in common?  — Both are/were starting pitchers.  — Both are from the Dominican Republic  — Both are considered among the best Latino pitchers of all time