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 …

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.

Woman claims Bernie hit her at club  —  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — 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 said the woman claimed Williams snatched the camera, damaged it and hit her in the face.

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) …

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.

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 …

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.

Phillies name Wall of Fame nominees  —  Daulton, Kruk, Dykstra, Hayes, Fregosi among 15 candidates  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Fifteen former Phillies have been nominated for this year's Wall of Fame voting.  —  Fans can vote at phillies.com.  —  The top five fan choices will be voted upon by a Wall of Fame selection committee.

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 …

Phils weighing several bench options  —  Club may opt to keep three lefties or add righties to reserve mix  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel swears he hasn't started to think about how his bench might look Opening Day.  —  He said there is plenty of time for that.

Percival pleased with first '09 outing  —  Coming off back surgery, Rays closer retires side in order  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Troy Percival made his first appearance of the spring Thursday against the Phillies, and all went well.  —  The veteran reliever retired the Phillies in order …

Los Angeles Dodgers are curious about Pedro Martinez  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — The New York Mets don't have any interest in bringing back Pedro Martinez.  But another one of Martinez's former employers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, could emerge as a candidate to rescue him from unemployment.

Zambrano gets Cubs Opening Day start; Marmol back  —  MESA, Ariz.- Manager Lou Piniella named Carlos Zambrano as his Opening Day starter on Thursday, giving Big Z his fifth straight opening assignment.  —  How did Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild decide on Zambrano over Ryan Dempster?