Performances weren't enhanced by testimony  —  Dirt flew in the halls of Congress yesterday, and when the last mud was slung, everyone was smudged.  —  Roger Clemens delivered his side of the story and again insisted he never used steroids or human growth hormone.

Sabathia calls off contract talks  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla.—Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia has tabled contract talks with the Cleveland Indians.  —  The left-hander, who is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season, says on his Web site that he and his agents have broken off negotiations on an extension with the club.

News Web site poll shows that most readers don't believe the Rocket  —  An overwhelming majority of Daily News readers don't believe the Rocket.  —  Seventy-nine percent of the 1,200 readers who voted in a poll on our Web site as of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday said they believed former trainer Brian McNamee …

Johan Santana pitches in at Mets camp  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - One day before pitchers and catchers officially reported, Johan Santana arrived at the Mets' spring-training complex on Wednesday afternoon and quickly got to work with an impromptu throwing session.

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.

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.”

Red Sox lefty setup man Hideki Okajima plays 'I've Got A Secret'  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Hideki Okajima smiled, raised one finger to his lips and said “secret” when asked about his new pitch.  —  A secret himself a year ago after 12 seasons in Japan, the Red Sox discovered …

Photos: And they're off!  —  Here's the day at the Mets' spring-training camp in pictures, courtesy of Daily News photographer Corey Sipkin.  First is Brian Schneider unpacking belongings.  Then you see Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine doing some running.  Next, Juan Padilla, Schneider...

AL projected Standings  —  Using the CHONE projections, and what I currently assume will be each team's lineup.  All trades, signings up to today are considered.  —  AL East  —  Red Sox 92-70  —  Yankees 92-70  —  Rays 89-73  —  Blue Jays 83-79  —  Orioles 65-97

Will to power  —  For two decades, it has been accepted sabermetric wisdom that high-strikeout pitchers last longer than do their low-strikeout brethren.  As best as I can tell, that tenet was first established by (who else?)  Bill James in the 1981 Baseball Abstract.

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.