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.

Nats sign pitcher Perez to Minors deal  —  Non-guaranteed contract gives left-hander shot at rotation  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals agreed to terms on a non-guaranteed Minor League contract with left-hander Odalis Perez on Tuesday afternoon.  Perez will be invited to Spring Training and compete for a spot in the rotation.

No mas DH  —  Vladimir Guerrero reported to camp this morning and sat with reporters for a few minutes, Angels coach Alfredo Griffin serving as interpreter.  —  But Griffin's services were not needed.  When I asked Guerrero what he thought about Angels manager Mike Scioscia's plan to DH …

Mariners' Niehaus wins Frick Award  —  Legendary Mariners broadcaster going to Cooperstown  —  NEW YORK — Happy birthday, Dave Niehaus, you're headed for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  —  Niehaus, a fixture in the Seattle Mariners' broadcast booth since they entered the American League …

Tejada happy to be with Astros, mum on steroids talk  —  This is the way baseball works in 2008.  —  Disgruntled slugger gets traded to new team for a fresh start.  —  Slugger has an additional spring in his step, a wider smile on his face, an extra-peppy, “just happy to be here” cliche on his lips.

Pence injured in sliding door tumble  —  Outfielder treated for lacerations on knee and hands  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Hunter Pence will miss about a week of Spring Training workouts after enduring several cuts and lacerations on his hands and knees that resulted from falling through a glass door at his residence in Kissimmee, Fla.

The Godfather, Part II by nate penn  —  In his first major interview in twenty years, the elusive Hal Steinbrenner talks to GQ about Roger Clemens and steroids, life with his “overbearing” father, and who's really calling the shots at Yankee Stadium  —  In February 2007, George Steinbrenner's …

Update  —  The situation warranted addressing the media at some point, yesterday was that day.  Given what's happened over the past three months the discussion was not going to go anyone's way in the end.  —  Suffice to say it's over, and I am rehabbing and doing everything possible to get healthy and pitch again.

Examining the Alex Rodriguez screwed Seattle legend … Part two of a long series of chunks o'knowledge to be cited in the constantly arising arguments.  Suggestions, thoughts welcome.  —  I'll start off by saying that the title's chosen intentionally.  In the first one of these I wrote …

Strengthened corps  —  Brewers hope Gagne can lead pen rebuilt with veterans  —  Phoenix - During eight years as bullpen coach for the Atlanta Braves, Ned Yost learned that closers have their own unique and sometimes peculiar way of preparing to walk the high wire at the end of games.