A-Rod's just a fool for the city  —  Alex Rodriguez's not-so-excellent adventure in the big city yesterday began hours before a chaotic visit to a Barnes & Noble in early afternoon.  —  First, his scheduled appearance on NBC's "Today" show was canceled because of a disagreement over whether …

Manny questions yet to be answered  —  There is a long checklist of issues to be addressed during the upcoming Red Sox season, but one that has been in hibernation since the winter meetings in December is Manny Ramírez's frame of mind.  —  The people who know — or think they know — just aren't saying, or they're hedging.

Alou could make Mets' lineup even more formidable  —  The Mets haven't exactly loaded up on starting pitchers this offseason.  They struck out on Barry Zito and got outbid for the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka.  Their biggest signing of a starting pitcher was the re-signing of 40-year-old Tom Glavine.

Pedro in fight to the finish  —  Pedro Martinez is working his way back into shape in hopes of returning to his old form and the Mets in time for a run to a World Series title.  —  Barring a change of heart, Pedro Martinez will likely retire once the remaining two years of his Mets' contract are up.

Marlins continue hunt for closer, outfielder  —  Florida has not addressed its needs in the bullpen and outfield this offseason and is `prepared to go as is right now.'  —  Taylor Tankersley went on his first hunting trip in October, climbed a tree and with a single shot using a bow took …

Q&A with Scott Boras  —  The following excerpts represent much of an interview with baseball agent Scott Boras conducted by Michael Silverman last week at Boras' Newport Beach, Calif., headquarters.  —  Q. Where's Bill Caudill these days?  —  A. That was my first multiyear contract, my first arbitration case.

D.R. wins fifth straight, clinches title  —  Dominicans clinch Caribbean title with win, P.R. loss  —  CAROLINA, P.R. — Their red, white and blue uniforms read "Dominicano Soy," Spanish for "I am Dominican," but there is one word missing from the jerseys.  —  Campeon, the Spanish word for champion.

What a relief: Guillen likes Sox' new pen  —  It was a bold statement made by Ozzie Guillen.  —  Not that the White Sox manager ever falls short in that department.  —  But in talking two weeks ago about the 2007 version of the Sox, Guillen made an assessment that was completely heartfelt

Player Profile  —  Adam Dunn  —  Former Baseball Prospectus cover boy Adam Dunn has long been known for his incredible combination of power and patience at the plate, but none of that seemed to matter much in the second half of 2006 when Dunn's performance at the plate helped the Reds miss out on an easily attainable playoff spot.

Rotation  —  Thanks in large part to the spring training acquisition of Bronson Arroyo, the Reds' starting pitchers exceeded expectations in '06.  The rotation lowered its collective ERA by more than a half-run per game and was particularly strong down the stretch.

Hicks: Third team not a crowd  —  New Liverpool co-owner insists he won't forget about Rangers, Stars  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  Tom Hicks spent Tuesday assuring sports fans on both sides of the Atlantic that he is about winning.  —  Early Tuesday, he and Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr …