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 …

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?

Mailbag: Who will fill the 'pen?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers fans' questions … Will Frank Francisco be back in the bullpen this year?  — Jim S., Birmingham, Ala.  —  The Rangers will have some serious competition in the bullpen this spring.

Question #1  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates recently experienced a shift in power amongst its ownership group.  What changes does Bob Nutting, the new face of the team, have to make in order to field a competitive ballclub in Pittsburgh?  Should Pirate fans anticipate the emergence of a successful team in the near future?

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."

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.

The Good, the Bad, and the Cheap: The Cost Efficiency of 162 Starts  —  In today's game, teams break Spring Training camp with 162 games ahead of them and plan for a five-man rotation to cover all the starts in those games.  Of course, teams know there will be injuries, trades …

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 …

Mailbag: How is a pitcher's role defined?  —  Mets beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions  —  As a UK-based baseball and Mets fan since 1980, I understand a little about baseball and I'm getting very good with the abbreviations.  But I have a simple question: Why are some pitchers starters, relievers, setup men or closers?

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.

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.

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.

Utley and Phillies agree to $85 million, 7-year contract  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chase Utley is quite comfortable with long-term deals.  —  One day after getting married, Utley agreed Sunday to an $85 million, seven-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, who can keep three-fourths …

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 …

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 …