Hank Steinbrenner to talk contract with Cashman  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Hank Steinbrenner sounded very much like someone enamored with his general manager as he talked about Brian Cashman's future Monday afternoon.  —  The Yankees senior vice president said he will talk with Cashman about his contract, which expires after the season.

Congress May Single Out Clemens  —  A Congressional committee has taken the first steps toward asking the Department of Justice to launch a criminal investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury during testimony about his use of performance-enhancing drugs, according to three lawyers familiar with the matter.

Eight selected to Red Sox Hall of Fame  —  Eight individuals have been selected for induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame, according to a press release from the team.  They are:  —  Wes Ferrell: Pitched for the Red Sox from 1934-37 with a 62-40 overall record in that span.

A Tour of the New Ballpark  —  Tom Bridge:  —  This weekend, as part of the Super Flush, I got an excellent tour of the new stadium under construction.  Nationals Park (which I hope it remains) is truly a wonder to behold.  The concrete and glass exterior was the part I was most concerned …

Theo on Bartolo  —  Here's what Theo Epstein had to say on the signing of Bartolo Colon, which was made official today:  —  “Well, signing Colon to a minor league deal, we think, is a no risk potential high reward signing.  He's on a minor league contract, going to show up here at camp tomorrow …

I Just Made A Man Invent The Derogatory Term “VORPies.”  —  It's a historic day.  For years, man has waited for just the right term to use when insulting other men who love baseball numbers just a little too much.  (What are they, gay for numbers?  Probably.)  And now, just like the wait for Shrek 3, that wait is ogre.

Pettitte and Hughes throw some BP  —  Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes threw live BP today on the main field.  It was very interesting to watch.  —  Pettitte is working on a slide step, something he has never used in the past, to hold runners closer.  —  Why would a lefty with a great pickoff move need a slide step?

Mailbag: Who else will be a leader?  —  Mets beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions  —  I love that Carlos Beltran is “stepping into a leadership role” by stating the Mets are the team to beat this year.  A void existed, I think, and with the subtraction of certain players …

DeRosa in Chicago for heart tests; surgery next?  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa has left spring training in Arizona to undergo further tests on his heart at a Chicago hospital.  —  DeRosa — who turns 33 on Tuesday — was hospitalized over the weekend after complaining …

Jonathan Papelbon does not speak Spanish very well  —  Pity the poor marketing soul who was put in charge of getting Jonathan Papelbon to record this public service announcement in Spanish.  Couldn't they have gotten David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez instead?  —  At least Papelbon gives …

Boone reveals battle with alcohol  —  With Minors deal, infielder finds peace in sobriety, baseball  —  VIERA, Fla. — It was March 1, 2006.  Bret Boone was a member of the Mets and expected to battle Kaz Matsui for the starting job at second base.  But Boone suddenly retired that day …

La Russa wanted to pursue Bonds  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The possibility of free agent home run king Barry Bonds hitting behind Albert Pujols in the Cardinals' batting order remained intriguing enough this winter for manager Tony La Russa to take the idea to general manager John Mozeliak …