Yankees allow Pettitte to report late  —  Left-hander spoke to Cashman, Girardi before decision  —  TAMPA, Fla. — One of the most pressing issues surrounding Wednesday's congressional hearing in Washington was the absence of Andy Pettitte.  One of the most pressing issues surrounding Yankees camp …

Cone Denies Telling McNamee Owners Opposed Testing  —  TAMPA, Fla. — David Cone was casually monitoring the Congressional hearings featuring Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee from his home in Stamford, Conn. After he left the room for a few minutes, he said he was surprised when he heard his name mentioned on television.

Notes: Santana makes first appearance  —  Prized lefty throws to Mets' Minor League pitching instructor  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — After steady rain had ended the Mets' unofficial morning workout Wednesday, an unusual episode happened in the early afternoon — a left-handed catcher appeared.

Day 3 Highlights From Port St. Lucie  —  The news you have all been waiting for.  OK, maybe that's too strong.  But Johan Santana made a surprise appearance Wednesday afternoon and threw on flat ground for 15 minutes with the pitching coach Rick Peterson and the bullpen coach Guy Conti watching.

Beckett lives in present  —  Future furthest thing from Sox ace's mind … FORT MYERS - Josh Beckett [stats] hadn't heard about the ESPN.com report quoting an unnamed Red Sox [team stats] official stating: “We'd better enjoy Josh Beckett the next three years.  Because we won't be able to sign him after his deal is up after 2010.”

Notes: Johnson ready to play  —  First baseman eager for spring, says leg is ‘100 percent’  —  VIERA, Fla. — Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson was seen in the Space Coast Stadium clubhouse Wednesday afternoon and said that he is ready to start playing exhibition games — and for good reason.

Dempster: Cubs will end 100-year Series drought  —  MESA, Ariz. — Ryan Dempster plans to move from closer to starter for the Chicago Cubs this season.  On the first day of spring training, he took on another role: prognosticator.  —  “I think we are going to win the World Series.

Remembering Fred Lynn  —  Before Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee hogged the spotlight, a lot of people were talking about Jim Rice and the Hall of Fame.  Remember that?  You do?  Well, all of that talk made me nostalgic for 1975 in Boston.  Remember that, too?  No?

Sanchez aiming to play pivotal role  —  After missing '07 season, reliever eager to resume setup duties  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Pedro Martinez had promise as his daily companion then.  Grueling and extended as his workouts were last summer, he always had hope by his side as he sweated and strained.

The Mets Close To Adding Another...  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Ben Johnson, who spent part of 2007 with the Mets, is close to making a return with the club.  The outfielder and the team are finalizing a new minor-league deal, which would include an invite to spring training.