No doubt, Ellsbury's in CF  —  Competition with Crisp nothing but a formality … FORT MYERS - Despite what the Red Sox [team stats] are ladling out to the media about there being some kind of competition for the starting job in center field, the reality is something entirely different.

GET USED TO JASE AT FIRST BASE  —  Jason Giambi was well into a punishing offseason conditioning program when Joe Girardi phoned with a plea Giambi was happy to hear.  —  “He told me, ‘I need you at first base,’ ” Giambi said yesterday at Legends Field on the eve of the first full squad spring training workout.

A-Rod expects drug questions  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez expects to be questioned repeatedly about drug use as he approaches Barry Bonds' career home-run record.  —  “Right now, the game is in a very not-trusting situation with our public, with our fans,” A-Rod said Wednesday …

Mets, free-agent P Garcia meet  —  Free-agent pitcher eyes return from shoulder surgery  —  Free-agent pitcher Freddy Garcia visited with the Mets on Wednesday, according to sources.  —  The Mets haven't said anything about possible progress in contract talks, but they have long been interested in Garcia …

Notes: Martinez's bold prediction  —  Youngster expects to be playing at Shea sometime this year  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — As far as predictions go, these Mets have already proven to be brash.  Carlos Beltran sparked the trend last weekend, and even owner Fred Wilpon chimed in on Tuesday afternoon.

Teixeira's status is a big deal  —  Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Will he be a Brave beyond this season?  That's all anyone wants to know about slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira.  But it looks as if he's going to keep us guessing.  —  Tex rolled into training camp Tuesday and said he's …

Spring Training: Pettitte works out with teammates  —  Yankees beat writer Pete Caldera and videographer Jim Anness report from spring training in Tampa, Fla.: Hank Steinbrenner assures fans that Yanks will be contenders once again, Andy Pettitte works out with teammates, and Jason Giambi talks about a bounce-back season.

Reyes vows to tone down act this season  —  Jose Reyes, second from right, told Newsday he may tone down celebrations like this one and focus more on baseball this year.  (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In addition to the Mets' championship dreams, a part of Jose Reyes died on that final weekend at Shea Stadium.

A window on how arbitration works  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Some salary arbitration hearings are contentious.  Some are civil.  —  Some are downright absurd.  Such as the one involving a pinch-hitter several years ago.  An agent recalled the story yesterday.  —  “He was one of the best pinch-hitters in baseball,” the agent said.

Notes: Touching on a sore subject  —  Sheets looks to stay healthy, quiet critics  —  Phoenix - Milwaukee Brewers starter Ben Sheets insisted Tuesday that this year was no more important to him than the past few injury-plagued seasons.  —  “They're all important,” Sheets said.

Pirates reach agreement with pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates this morning reached agreement on a contract with free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim.  —  It is believed to be a major-league deal, though no other terms are known.  The San Francisco Giants …

Early tip: More pop from Yunel  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Yunel Escobar shook my hand this morning, and I'm still having trouble holding a pen 30 minutes later.  —  That's only a minor exaggeration.  —  We've already spent more than enough time commenting on the improved strength …