Schuerholz tops list of general managers  —  This winter's round of signings and trades are, for the most part, over and done with.  So the time for assessment has arrived.  —  It's not hard to find opinions on how each team's general manager has fared throughout the most recent Hot Stove season …

Agent: Rockies agree to deal with Lawrence  —  Pitcher still may need recovery time after missing 2006 season  —  The Rockies were rewarded for their persistence Sunday when pitcher Brian Lawrence agreed in principle on a one-year deal with a club option for 2008, according to his agent.

Pirates ramp up pursuit of Ohka  —  Lawrence, another free-agent pitcher, chooses Rockies  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  With Brian Lawrence out of the picture, the Pirates have escalated efforts to sign free-agent starter Tomo Ohka.  —  And they should know soon if there will be a payoff.

Michael Morrissey Interview … WasWatching.com: Your book, The Pride and the Pressure: A Season Inside the New York Yankee Fishbowl, is slated for release on April 10th of this year.  What can you tell us about the book now and what was the driving force behind your decision to write it?

Cubs hike prices for individual games  —  When the Cubs announced in November that ticket prices would be frozen for season ticket-holders, it was termed a "reward" to fans.  —  Interim team President John McDonough said at the time, "As of now, we don't anticipate raising single-game tickets, but the decision has not been finalized."

Cubs, Floyd closing in on contract  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Cliff Floyd and the Chicago Cubs are nearing agreement on a one-year contract, a deal that may include an option for 2008 that the outfielder can control.  —  Floyd, who was born in Chicago, is likely to make a decision this week.

Open Water  —  The "shark" is now officially in the waters of Major League Baseball, and a recent article asks if Jeff Samardzija is a good investment for the Cubs.  I think it is a good question; as for the answer: it depends.  There is no way I can comment on the quality of pitching repertoire …

Inside Dish: Teams not biting on Upton  —  The Devil Rays have been willing to talk about trading top hitting prospects OF Delmon Young and IF B.J. Upton all winter, but the player teams are more wary of might surprise you.  It's not Young, who was suspended for 50 games last summer …

Longtime editor of Sporting News dies  —  Reidenbaugh helped publication become "Bible of Baseball"  —  Lowell Reidenbaugh, long-time managing editor of The Sporting News, died Saturday in St. Louis.  He was 87.  —  During Reidenbaugh's tenure, the St. Louis-based weekly publication was known as the "Bible of Baseball."

Wrong about Ripken  —  CHICAGO // It was my wife who wanted to name our son for a baseball player.  —  When he was born 11 years ago, the prospect made me cringe.  I thought a child's name ought to have more significance than mere affection for a guy whose contribution to society was hitting a baseball.

Chase Utley and Phillies Reach 7-Year Deal  —  From Scott Lauber and The News Journal: … Whoa.  —  Just a few days ago, the Phillies and the Utley camp were exchanging arbitration figures ranging from $4.5 million to $6.5 million for the 2007 season.  As it turns out, those discussions hardly qualify as sparring.

Sources: Vick will be exonerated for Miami incident  —  Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was not carrying marijuana or another illegal substance at the Miami airport and will be exonerated, league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Sunday.  —  On Wednesday, Vick surrendered …

Cashman glad he's not Boss' puppet anymore  —  The Yankees have gone six seasons without winning the World Series, a baseball eternity for a team of their stature.  But Kevin Towers cannot remember a time when Brian Cashman has been happier.  —  "He had gotten to a point where he was beyond frustrated …

Cancer claims ex-pitcher Ruhle, 55  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Vern Ruhle, a former major league pitcher and coach for several teams, died after a yearlong battle with cancer.  He was 55.  —  Ruhle died Saturday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston of complications from treatment for multiple myeloma …