USA (with David Wright) to play Dominican Republic (and Robinson Cano) Thursday night  —  MIAMI — The Subway Series won't start for another two months.  In the meantime, pick your superhero.  —  Is it David Wright, the aptly named Captain America of the World Baseball Classic?

NY Mets great and Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver feeling better, winning his battle with Lyme disease  —  It's been a living hell of uncertainty, confusion, depression and downright fear.  The Mets' ‘Franchise,’ author of 311 career victories was not himself after his diagnosis …

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers have twice tried to lock up All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus to a long-term contract and are expected to make one more run at it this year, but people familiar with their thinking suggest that if the Rangers can't secure him to a multiyear deal they will likely trade him in “10 to 12 months.”

Orr's Homer Leads Phillies Over Pirates  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Pete Orr hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.  —  Orr, a veteran utilityman, connected off former Phillies left-hander Mike Zagurski, hitting a long drive to right.

Jose Iglesias no longer a lock  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Jose Iglesias was home in Miami getting ready to celebrate the holidays with his family when he learned the Red Sox had signed Stephen Drew to play shortstop.  —  There would be no competition for a position Iglesias thought he would be given a chance to earn.

After pitching BP, Hughes expresses optimism  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes threw 26 pitches in a batting-practice session on Thursday and said that he believes it is still possible to be ready for the beginning of the regular season.  —  Hughes was sidelined last month …

Minor League Transactions: Feb. 26-March 8  —  Official minor league transactions, conveyed to us by Major League Baseball, for the period Feb. 26-March 8.  —  Arizona Diamondbacks  —  Signed: RHP Josh Booty  —  It's official: The Diamondbacks actually signed 37-year-old Josh Booty …

Spring training leftovers for breakfast  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro is one of the many connections made by executive vice president Dan Duquette that may pay off for the Orioles.  —  Niekro is working for the Orioles as a consultant of sorts, as he mentors knuckleballer …

Kelly awaits second opinion before opting for elbow surgery … PEORIA, Ariz. — Casey Kelly is awaiting a second opinion before making a final decision on elbow reconstruction surgery.  —  But the 23-year-old starting pitcher Thursday said there appears to be few good options other than “Tommy John” surgery.

Pelfrey Struggles for Twins in Loss to Red Sox  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Mike Pelfrey gave up five runs in two innings as he tries to accelerate his return from Tommy John surgery, and the Minnesota Twins lost to the Boston Red Sox 7-3 Thursday.  —  Pelfrey had the elbow-reconstruction operation …

Rangers, “Number Of Teams” Interested In Lohse  —  The Rangers are staying in contact with Kyle Lohse, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports.  Scott Boras, Lohse's agent, didn't confirm Texas' interest but did say that he had heard from several teams about the 34-year-old right-hander.

Garza resumes throwing, targets April-May return  —  MESA, Ariz. — Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, sidelined with a strained left lat, will resume his throwing program Wednesday, but still was not expected to be ready for the regular season until early May.  —  The right-hander played catch Sunday and Monday, and so far, so good.