Cashman Takes Issue With Book Anecdote About Giambi  —  Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman angrily took issue Thursday night with an anecdote about him and Jason Giambi that is contained in a new book about Roger Clemens.  —  The book, “The Rocket That Fell to Earth,” (Harper Collins) …

Mets' Santana Feels ‘Pretty Good’ in Spring Debut  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Johan Santana's first Grapefruit League appearance of the season was notable more for what did not happen than what did.  —  Santana did not clutch his elbow, knee or any other body part that would give the Mets reason for concern.

PR woman claims Bernie Williams hit her at club  —  Buzz up!  —  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)—A woman has filed a complaint against former Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams for allegedly hitting her at a nightclub while she took his picture.  —  Officer Angel Nazario …

Hughes, Kennedy seeking second shot  —  One year after struggling in Majors, hurlers vying for redemption  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Just as they did last year, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy line up with the rest of the Yankees' starting pitchers, going through the same spring paces and cheering …

Mark McGwire Discusses Role as Hitting Instructor  —  The voice on the other end of the line, as enthused as a rookie's after the first day of spring training, belonged to Mark McGwire.  He was calling from California on Thursday to talk about his rebirth as a hitting instructor.

Rich in chips, Texas Rangers must play poker well  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The farm has been stocked.  —  Now comes the hard part — deciding which of the young Texas Rangers to take to market.  —  If general manager Jon Daniels thought his previous trades were sharply scrutinized …

New York Yankees prospect Jesus Montero is working hard to catch on  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Even before his bat earned him universal regard as the top Yankees prospect, before his raw power prompted the organization to pony up $1.6 million to sign him, before some observers hailed …

Papelbon calls Manny a ‘cancer’ — Francona says trade speaks for itself  —  JUPITER, Fla. — In the latest issue of Esquire Magazine, Jonathan Papelbon calls ex-teammate Manny Ramirez a “cancer,” and says the team clearly had to get rid of him.  —  Papelbon didn't travel with the team …

Lupica: Yankees ignore A-Rod outlook  —  The good news for Alex Rodriguez, who was due for some, is that the first of the surgeries on his hip was classified a success by his doctors.  The even better news for Rodriguez, at least for the time being, is that he has now managed to change the subject …

Salaries for the 0-3 Yankees  —  When a player has 0-3 years of service time, there is no bargaining for a contract.  You are guaranteed only the minimum — which is $400,000 this year.  —  The Yankees, like most teams, have a salary scale for 0-3 players based on service time rather than performance.

Mets slow down Billy's quick recovery  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Billy Wagner, who has been throwing in his native Virginia, has been shut down by the Mets.  But there's no bad news.  Mets officials are concerned an enthusiastic Wagner is trying to rehab from Sept. 10 Tommy John surgery too quickly …

Mariners sign Chad Cordero  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — With no pitcher yet emerging in the Mariners' closer battle, the club has added a new long-term candidate: Chad Cordero, an All-Star in 2005 when he led the National League with 47 saves.  —  Since then, however, Cordero has been hit by a major injury …