NY Mets doubt Johan Santana will avoid D.L. but not seeking pitching; Yankees GM Brian Cashman breaks leg  —  The Mets' private expectations for Johan Santana's April 1 availability are even grimmer than their public line of “we'll see.”  Really, there is almost no chance that Santana avoids …

Gibson's choice to drop DH displeases Reds' Baker  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — D-backs manager Kirk Gibson and Reds manager Dusty Baker had a testy discussion when they met at home plate for the exchange of lineup cards prior to Monday's game.  —  Baker had wanted to use Shin-Soo Choo …

Sox prospect Britton arrested on DUI charge  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox pitcher Drake Britton, a 23-year-old in his first big-league camp, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence and property damage, according to the Lee County Sheriff's office.

Future belongs to Ellsbury  —  Sox center fielder approaches pivotal season with confidence and optimism  —  BOSTON — Jacoby Ellsbury will turn 30 in September.  Wasn't it just yesterday that he used the World Series as his personal coming-out party, the most exciting Red Sox center fielder since Freddie Lynn?

Tigers now want to trade for a closer, but it won't be easy  —  Spring training trades aren't easy.  Spring training trades for closers might be even tougher.  —  But the Tigers now realize they have little choice.  —  With hard-throwing rookie Bruce Rondon already showing he can't handle the job …

Rockies Recap: Rockies 6, Cubs 3: Francis sharp, Rosario homers  —  At Salt River Fields  —  SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Veteran lefty Jeff Francis conjured up visions of 2007 Tuesday afternoon.  —  Francis, the Rockies' most consistent starter this spring, pitched four innings of one-hit ball and struck out four.

Inbox: Could injuries bring Lohse into picture?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers' fans questions  —  Free agent starter Kyle Lohse is still on the market.  Are the Rangers interested in signing the right-hander?  (AP)  —  With the loss of Martin Perez and other early developments …

Harang pitches with O's, Brewers scouts watching  —  With Dodgers' surplus of pitching, veteran righty emerges as likely trade piece  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — With scouts from the Brewers and Orioles watching, Dodgers starter Aaron Harang threw three scoreless innings in a Minor League game Monday at Camelback Ranch.

Slotted at DH, Pujols in lineup for spring debut  —  Angels slugger ahead of schedule by a week, but knee not yet 100 percent  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Albert Pujols is back in action.  The three-time Most Valuable Player and nine-time All-Star will be in the lineup at designated hitter …

Furcal to be examined by Andrews  —  • By Rick Hummel rhummel@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8196  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The next time the Cardinals take the field, Rafael Furcal won't be with them.  —  After an off-day Tuesday, the Cardinals will resume Grapefruit League play …

Source: Rangers eye Rick Porcello  —  The Texas Rangers, still trying to determine a No. 5 starter for their rotation, inquired Monday about Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello, a source told ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin.  —  On Sunday, two Rangers pitchers in contention for the spot each had outings to forget.

Vargas lets it fly in impressive Angels debut  —  PHOENIX — Jason Vargas made quick work of the A's on Monday, and then he worked just as rapidly in the postgame interview.  Vargas, making his first start for the Angels, threw two no-hit innings against Oakland and said afterward that he was just gripping it and ripping it.