With Two Deals Stalled, Joke Never Gets Started  —  You would think that when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, it would have liberated their fans, enabled all of them to smile and laugh.  —  For whatever reason, however, some segment of that fan base doesn't recognize a joke when it encounters one …

Ohka out of Pirates' plan, but Armas in  —  Team talking with former Nationals pitcher  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  As the field of right-handed starters in free agency keeps dwindling for the Pirates — their talks with Tomo Ohka suddenly broke off yesterday …

For Nats Outfielder Logan, a Familiar Position  —  Here is Manny Acta, manager of the Washington Nationals, on how much competition Nook Logan, who has 545 major league at-bats, will face for the starting center field job when spring training opens next month: "He's going to spring training as our center fielder.

Cano agrees to switch to No. 24 from No. 22  —  If Roger Clemens pitches in The Pinstripes again next season, the Yankees are ready for his return.  —  The Yankees asked second baseman Robinson Cano to give up his No. 22 if Clemens returns to the Bronx and Cano agreed to switch to No. 24.

'It's never enough'  —  Jackie's widow wants more progress  —  As black and white images of Jackie Robinson's life flashed on multiple television screens above the main floor of the ESPN Zone in midtown last night, Willie Randolph was introduced to warm applause from the capacity crowd.

Surgery for McPherson today  —  Dallas McPherson will undergo surgery today to remove a herniated disk, a procedure that will sideline the young Angels slugger for at least six months but should bring a considerable amount of relief to his aching lower back and frayed psyche.

Erstad could still return to Angels  —  Free agent Darin Erstad still could return to the Angels as a backup first baseman and outfielder, but the Marlins and White Sox are offering him greater playing time, according to his agent, Greg Genske.  —  The Cubs, who remain interested in Erstad …

Stats Geek: Why not make Pirates' lineup top heavy?  —  By Brian O'Neill, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Adam LaRoche is no superstar, but the fanfare for his arrival is deserved.  LaRoche is the prototypical Lefty McThump the slugging-deprived Pirates needed, and you can pencil him in for 25 to 30 home runs for the next few years.

Bruce Pearl is surprisingly less hairy than we thought he'd be  —  That man there, that's Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl!  And he's not wearing a shirt!  And his chest has a V on it!  And he's wearing a headband!  And that's Bruce Pearl!  And he appears to be leading a thunderous charge!

Mailbag: Young players add value  —  Tigers reporter Jason Beck answers fans' questions  —  You frequently have to respond to the e-mailers' unrealistic expected returns in trade offers for some of the younger players in the organization.  Is there more value in an older soon-to-be free agent …

Howard accepts 'Outstanding' award  —  Slugger honored by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association  —  CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Ryan Howard's bright smile still lights up a room, but the National League MVP's illuminating presence finds itself competing with camera crews and omni lights.

Notes: Sosa's deal in final stages  —  Assistant GM Levine says discussions in home stretch  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers continue to work on wrapping up the final details on a Minor League contract with outfielder Sammy Sosa.  —  A formal announcement will likely come later this week …