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 …

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.

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?

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.

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 …

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.

Burnett Walks in 2 Runs in Pirates Loss  —  BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — A.J. Burnett lasted just 1 1-3 innings Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies, struggling with his control as his pitch count climbed to 51.  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates ace, preparing for an opening-day start against the Chicago Cubs …

D-backs send Ross to undergo MRI on calf  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — D-backs outfielder Cody Ross will have an MRI taken of his ailing left calf one day after being removed from a spring game after three innings.  —  Ross was scratched from the lineup Friday when the calf first flared up …

Cuba Beats China 12-0 In Nearly Empty Stadium  —  FUKUOKA, Japan—In a nearly empty stadium that had the energy of a library, Cuba trounced China 12-0, invoking the mercy rule after the top of the seventh inning to improve to 2-0 in the first round of the World Baseball Classic.

How Fair is MLB's Salary Scale?  —  Over the weekend, the Angels renewed Mike Trout's contract, opting to pay him $510,000 — $20,000 over the league minimum — for the 2013 season.  Because of how great Trout was last year, this has caused some backlash, including these comments from Trout's agent: