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.

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.

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 ...

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 …

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

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 …

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.

Angels Prepare for Pujols  —  TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — C.J. Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall.  —  An early rite of spring training complete, Wilson …

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.

Hudson has sights set on May return to Braves  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Nearly three months after being forced to undergo a back surgery he had long attempted to avoid, Braves pitcher Tim Hudson has reported to Spring Training feeling a sense of relief that had not been present for much of the past decade.

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.

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.