Prospect of Jury Trial in Mets' Madoff Case May Push Sides Toward Settlement  —  As in any civil case, there has always been a chance that the owners of the Mets and the trustee for the victims of Bernard L. Madoff's Ponzi scheme could settle before trial.  But across the past year of acrimony, that prospect has often seemed remote.

Utley leaving camp to see specialist  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Chase Utley has left Phillies camp to see a specialist as his chronically injured right knee is not healthy enough to take the field, almost certainly meaning he will not play come opening day.  —  The Phillies released …

Mather helps give Cubs split with Rangers  —  Solo homer in ninth breaks tie; Volstad throws four frames  —  LAS VEGAS — Cubs outfielder Joe Mather hit a one-out home run in the top of the ninth inning off of Rangers reliever Sean Green to give his team a 3-2 victory at Cashman Field Sunday.

Nova settles down after early hiccup  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — Adam Jones and Matt Wieters went deep in the first inning — the first home runs of the spring for each — to lead the Orioles to a 6-3 victory over the Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium on Sunday night.  —  After Endy Chavez led off …

Soria leaves game with sore elbow after another rough outing  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ. — The growing concern regarding Royals closer Joakim Soria escalated sharply Sunday afternoon when he left a game against Cleveland because of a sore right elbow after another ineffective performance.

Nishioka optioned to Triple-A; lineup vs. Red Sox  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Twins made a slew of roster cuts this morning with the most notable being the decision to option infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka to Triple-A Rochester.  —  Nishioka, 27, hit .240/.269/.320 in nine games this spring …

Nats option top prospect Harper to Triple-A  —  VIERA, Fla. — After striking out four times in an 11-7 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, Nationals top prospect Bryce Harper was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, where he will play mostly center field.  He will also see some action in right.

Maddux: Didn't pull out of running for Cubs manager  —  Says Sveum deserved job  —  Mike Maddux (Phil Velasquez/Tribune photo)  —  LAS VEGAS — Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux denied pulling out of the running for the Cubs managerial vacancy before the Cubs gave the job to Dale Sveum.

Time running out as Sanchez aims for roster  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz — With two and a half weeks left in the Cactus season, players are starting to hit their stride.  The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, and players are talking about feeling ready for the regular season.

Scouts work to balance old and new methods  —  Numbers and feel both important when spotting young talent  —  MESA, Ariz. — Not more than two weeks ago, Padres assistant general manager A.J. Hinch, who oversees the professional scouting department, had a dozen of his scouts …

Former NY Mets prospect Fernando Martinez is not bitter over his release  —  Relishes his new opportunity with Hosuton Astros  —  Fernando Martinez strikes out with the Mets but gets another chance in Houston.  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Surprised?  —  Yes, Fernando Martinez was surprised …

David must get healthy to stay face of Mets  —  Mets on Twitter  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — David Wright remains certain he will be ready for Opening Day, even though that game against the Braves at Citi Field is only 17 days away and the Mets third baseman still is not taking batting practice …