Johan believes he's beast of NL East  —  Mets ace feeling good, plans to be on hill Opening Day  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — He paused for a moment for effect, to suggest that he actually was considering an alternative response.  Then the best pitcher in the National League East spoke his two-word reply to the question on the floor.

Florida Marlins sign former Nationals closer Mike MacDougal  —  The Florida Marlins bolstered their bullpen Thursday by agreeing to a contract with former Washington Nationals closer Mike MacDougal.  Agent Rex Gary said MacDougal, a right-hander, will sign a minor-league contract with an invitation to Marlins spring training.

Angels, Aybar agree to 2010 contract  —  Club, shortstop avoid arbitrarion, settle on $2.05 million deal  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels announced on Thursday that they have avoided arbitration with shortstop Erick Aybar, settling on a contract for 2010.  —  While the club has a policy …

It's a mistake to count on Zambrano  —  It's best to take a wait-and-see attitude concerning Cubs' erratic starter  —  My hobbies include both wandering and wondering.  In two weeks I will wander to Arizona to take a peek at this “all hands on deck” approach the Cubs are selling.

Game over?  Gagne returning to LA  —  Franchise's greatest closer signing a Minor League deal  —  PHOENIX — The Dodgers and free-agent reliever Eric Gagne have tentatively agreed on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp, according to baseball sources …

Detwiler out 3 months with hip injury  —  [UPDATE AT 4:28 P.M. — The Nats have now confirmed Detwiler's surgery and say he is scheduled to begin a throwing program in six weeks and “should be able to return to competitive pitching in three months.”  The procedure was performed Monday in Vail, Colo., by Marc J. Phillippon.]

Source: Kelvim Escobar may be seriously hurt  —  UPDATE: Adam Rubin of the Daily News tweets: … Santana's not a doctor of course and a playing catch grip is different than a pitching-at-full-speed grip, but this, at the very least, undercuts my earlier report.  Obviously I'll update with anything new that comes out.

Yankees' Rivera taking career ‘a year at a time’  —  TAMPA — One year at a time.  —  That's how Mariano Rivera is looking at the rest of a career that will eventually lead to Coopertsown.  —  “A year at a time and see what happens,” Rivera said this morning prior to the first workout …

As camp opens, lineup Girardi's top concern  —  Manager will use spring slate to find consistent batting order  —  TAMPA, Fla. — It was the first day back at the spring office, and Joe Girardi couldn't help but like what he saw.  Players were showing up in shape and on time …

Shapiro to become Tribe prez, Antonetti to become GM following 2010 season  —  The Indians are making a big announcement today that is of little surprise.  —  In a front-office shakeup set to take place upon the conclusion of the 2010 season, GM Mark Shapiro will be promoted to team president …

Washington Nationals: Brian Bruney Talks Arbitration On Sirius/XM.  —  More photos » Reed Hoffmann - AP  —  Brian Bruney lost his arbitration case with the Washington Nationals and he was on the radio this afternoon to discuss the process.  (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)  —  Browse more photos »

Helton learns vital lesson from last year  —  The veteran says he needs more rest this season to stay effective because he was worn down by the end of 2009.  —  The Denver Post  —  TUCSON — A year ago at this time, there was uncertainty.  Todd Helton wasn't sure how his surgically repaired back was going to respond.

NY Mets make changes to training program in effort to avoid further injuries … PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — When Mets players walked into the major-league clubhouse here for the first time Thursday, there were large signs posted in the clubhouse that read: “Prevention and recovery.”

Inside the Phillies: Unlike health, faith never lets Lidge down  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brad Lidge's defining characteristic is belief - in God, in himself, in the basic goodness of the world.  He feels that all suffering happens for a reason, and will always lead to better days.