50 years ago today, the Mets opened their 1st camp  —  On this date in 1962, the Mets opened their first Spring Training as the original pitchers and catchers worked out for the first time in St. Petersburg, Florida.  —  The Mets finished 40-120 and 60 1/2 games out of first place in their inaugural season of 1962.

The stories to watch in Major League Baseball as hot stove season gives way to heat of spring training  —  Lots of intrigue with Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers, among others  —  Albert Pujols wears new jersey as he learns what life will be like away from Cardinals ...

Damon not coming back to Yankees  —  TAMPA — There won't be a Johnny Damon II.  —  According to Damon, he isn't returning to the Yankees as a free agent.  —  “We both are looking at other options now,” Damon told The Post Saturday and called it “unfortunate.”  —  According to GM Brian Cashman, Damon contacted the club.

‘Sorry’ doesn't have to be the hardest word  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Red Sox throw open the doors to their clubhouse this morning for the first time since that final night in Baltimore last September.  Later in the day, Josh Beckett and Jon Lester will be made available to the media.

After gauging his trade value, Cubs seem ready to make Matt Garza a long-term investment  —  Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza works in the second inning as the Chicago Cubs take on the Florida Marlins Thursday July 14, 2011 at Wrigley Field.  Tom Cruze~Sun-Times

Former All-Star Cameron retires after 17 years  —  VIERA, Fla. — Two months after agreeing to terms on a Minor League deal with the Nationals, outfielder Mike Cameron announced his retirement Sunday.  —  Cameron, 39, indicated to MLB.com in December that 2012 most likely would be his last season …

Yanks agree to Minors deal with Rapada  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees have agreed with left-handed reliever Clay Rapada on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.  —  Rapada, 30, will step into the competition for a roster spot as a lefty specialist after 36-year-old Hideki Okajima …

Full circle: Tomko signs with Reds  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — After passing his physical, veteran pitcher Brett Tomko formally signed a Minor League contract with the Reds on Sunday.  He is in Major League camp as a non-roster player and participated in the first workout.

Iglesias's time may come sooner rather than later  —  Mike Aviles and Nick Punto at shortstop for the Red Sox?  —  Suffice to say, major league evaluators are skeptical, and most look past the possible platoon of two utility players to prospect Jose Iglesias.

Giants' Vogelsong out 10 days for injured back  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — San Francisco Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong says he will miss at least the first 10 days of spring training workouts while he recovers from a strained back that he injured lifting weights earlier this month.

If Mets challenge, the purse strings could open  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Of the 25 answers Sandy Alderson offered during an 18-minute state-of-the-spring address Saturday morning, three took the shape of lifeboats.  —  No. 7: This Mets team has the potential to be much better than last year's Mets team.