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 …

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.

30 Questions: What can we expect from the starting rotation? … Thirty teams, 30 burning fantasy questions.  Throughout the preseason, we put one of these questions to an ESPN.com analyst for an in-depth look at the most interesting, perplexing or dumbfounding fantasy facet of each major league team.

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 …

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.

Kendrick sticking with his aggressive approach  —  Editor's note: This is the second in Jonah Keri's series of Q&As with players and executives from the Cactus League.  His first Q&A was with Arizona GM Josh Byrnes  —  Howie Kendrick is a batting champion waiting to happen.

Yankees' young pitchers working extra hard  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. - Joba Chamberlain challenged Phil Hughes to try to run a mile in five minutes and 30 seconds on Monday morning.  That's four laps around the perimeter of the practice fields adjacent to Legends Field.  —  They fell short by 46 seconds.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Giants' infield of future features Villalona  —  Augusta lineup also features shortstop, 2B  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Motorists on Hayden Road should look alive when they drive past the Giants' minor league complex.  —  Angel Villalona can reach them.  —  The stocky infielder is the star …

‘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.

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.