While pitchers and catchers don’t officially report until tomorrow, for all intents and purposes spring training is already upon us. And while the rest of us were consumed with the Roger Clemens congressional hearings today, your friendly neighborhood beat reporters were down in Tampa and Port St. Lucie catching up with the various players who have reported early.

Over on his LoHud Yankees Blog, Peter Abraham’s got some audio from Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi, and also informs us that Andy Pettitte has been excused from spring training until Monday.

Pete also brings up the question as to whether we could see Pettitte retire prior to the season – a sentiment also raised by Mike and the Mad Dog earlier today. If anything came out of today’s proceedings on Capitol Hill it was that Pettitte’s frank and honest testimony was the final and most significant blow that will cost Clemens his legacy and likely his place in the Hall of Fame. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if Andy were decide it’s time to disappear for awhile. His absence today certainly proved that he doesn’t welcome the attention.

Meanwhile on the other side of Florida, the Daily News’ Adam Rubin reports on the Mets who have arrived early to camp, including David Wright, Brian Schneider, Oliver Perez, John Maine, Joe Smith, Duaner Sanchez, Mike Pelfrey, Juan Padilla and yes, Johan Santana. Rubin also provides some photos from the day’s activities, which you can view below.

MLB.com’s Marty Noble also chimes in today with a look at Duaner Sanchez, who, according to Noble, “is ahead of every pitcher in camp and those who will report Thursday.” Says Sanchez:

“Now I’m in the best shape of my life, I haven’t looked like this since I was 19. Everybody can see it. I feel great. I’m ready to do whatever they want me to do.”

A healthy and effective Sanchez in the bullpen would be a critical component to this team in 2008.