MAINE STREAM  —  PITCHER IS OK WITH MEAGER RAI$E  —  JUPITER, Fla. - John Maine couldn't agree on his salary with the Mets this year, so they decided it for him yesterday.  —  A 15-win season last season resulted in a mere $59,000 raise to $450,000 in 2008 for the young right-hander …

Notes: Matsui inching closer  —  Slowed by tight neck, outfielder plans to take BP by Thursday  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui has been slowed by neck stiffness and is hoping to take batting practice on Wednesday or Thursday.  —  The 33-year-old, who has not played …

Report: Murcer's biopsy negative  —  According to the YES Network's Michael Kay, tests undergone on Bobby Murcer's brain showed a form of necrosis, or scar tissue from radiation treatments and not another cancerous tumor.  The Yankees broadcaster underwent a brain biopsy at a Houston hospital on Monday.

Closer thinks team is saving too much  —  Jonathan Papelbon figures to make more than $550,000 and much less than $900,000 when his contract is finalized.  At this point, a long-term deal seems out of the question.  (J. Meric/Getty Images)  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - With virtually no leverage …

Brian Roberts deal not imminent, Cubs GM says  —  MESA, Ariz. - The Cubs still hope to acquire second baseman Brian Roberts and an outfielder before the end of spring training, but general manager Jim Hendry shot down Internet and radio rumors that a trade is imminent.

PSL: El Duque has his Fingers Crossed  —  ...i just finished watching Orlando Hernandez throw roughly 40 pitches or so in a bullpen session...honestly, it's impossible to tell if he looked good or bad...his delivery is a bit different...he was throwing sort-of sidearm at one point...

Congressman Anthony Weiner asks FBI to end Roger Clemens investigation  —  America has bigger problems than Roger Clemens and steroids, Rep. Anthony Weiner said Wednesday.  —  The New York Democrat called on the FBI to end its investigation into whether the Rocket lied to Congress.

Organizational Rankings, Part 2  —  Last Year's Ranking: 1  —  Why They're Unchanged: Evan Longoria's full-season debut went even better than expected, and they added No. 1 overall pick David Price to the system.  —  Strengths: Yes.  There are just tons of prospects everywhere …

PSL: Alou has Strained Groin, Sore Hip  —  The Mets just announced that Moises Alou has a strained groin and has been sent to New York for as MRI.  —  ...it's just all so hard to believe...Omar Minaya talked to reporters a few moments, details of which will likely appear on our favorite beat writer's blogs …

Mets' Beltran worried as he recovers from surgery  —  Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran is trying to rebuild the strength in his legs after having surgery on both knees in October.  (Newsday / David L. Pokress)  —  Now that the “team to beat” in the National League East is more beat …

‘A lot stronger than he looks’  —  Don't let Maddux's ‘wine gut’ deceive  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - Part of baseball lore is the pitcher with the beer gut spilling over his belt.  Effortlessly as he might quaff a cold pint of his favorite brew, he mows down one brawny hitter after another.

Big Unit can't say how old is too old  —  At 44, he only feels his age in his back  —  TUCSON, Ariz. - The clubhouse is empty, save for the most accomplished player in Arizona Diamondbacks history, not to mention the tallest.  Just sitting still on a stool, Randy Johnson occasionally punctuates …

Matchup du jour — Santana vs. Dodgers  —  Time out for a second.  Almost forgot — Olmedo Saenz's visa issues are over and he has just been cleared to play in games.  No worries.  The Mets' first base problems are solved (sarcasm alert, sarcasm alert).  —  Anyway, here's the lineup:  —  DODGERS

Texas Rangers' emphasis on stats and scouting is ahead of game  —  I took my annual spring break just in time to come back to Dallas and vote in the presidential primary.  —  I'm a man who has strong opinions about the issues.  —  So, go ahead, just ask where I stand on the …

Spring Training: Pirates seek long-term deal with Snell  —  But similar talks with Capps placed on hiatus  —  Boston's David Ortiz, left, catches up with former Boston teammates Doug Mientkiewicz, middle, and Freddy Sanchez before yesterday's game in Fort Myers, Fla.