O's agree in principle to deal with Trachsel … Having learned earlier today that starting pitcher Kris Benson will likely have surgery for a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, the Orioles have moved fast to fill the hole in the rotation, agreeing in principle to a deal …

Cubs' Zambrano: 'I must go' if no deal  —  Says he's ready to sign, but seeks Zito money  —  MESA, Ariz. — After announcing at the Cubs Convention he wouldn't discuss a contract extension with the Cubs if they don't come to an agreement before Opening Day, Carlos Zambrano said Monday he's gone if he has to play out the season.

No Williams now, maybe no Mo next year  —  TAMPA, Florida (AP) - As the New York Yankees prepared to start spring training without Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera talked about the possibility of not being with the team a year from now.  —  Rivera will get $10.5 million this season …

In Rebuilding Game, Nats Lead the Braves  —  Many think that Stan Kasten is crazy or blowing smoke when he claims that his team is "way ahead" of the Braves franchise he rebuilt in the late '80s and transformed into a dynasty.  I've been hard on the Nats president for the decision to field …

Union makes appeal  —  With almost no options left, the Major League Baseball Players Association filed a last-ditch request last night to keep the names of 104 steroid cheats out of the clutches of a grand jury.  —  The MLBPA asked a federal appeals court in San Francisco to revisit …

Lester: From patient to eager  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Maybe it's just part of the code of the so-called man-cave, which, after all, is what a baseball clubhouse really is.  Or maybe it's because they're in a business where tough breaks come with the territory; the guy sitting beside …

GREEN: I'M NOT RETIRING  —  Although a report said Shawn Green is considering hanging up his spikes after this season, the Mets right fielder said yesterday he anticipates playing in 2008.  —  "There's been no decision on the future at all as far as I'm concerned," the 34-year-old Green told The Post yesterday by phone.

Molina throws curve to Wainwright, keeps memento  —  JUPITER, FLA. — During the celebration of the Cardinals' World Series victory, rookie pitcher Adam Wainwright bargained with catcher Yadier Molina for a title memento.  —  Wainwright believed they had a deal.

Spots up for grabs as camp opens  —  Fifth starter, closer jobs to be decided in Spring Training  —  It's just about time to finally take the "off" out of the offseason.  —  In an annual rite anticipated by most fans, Reds pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training at Sarasota, Fla., on Saturday.

Dice-K's on easy street: Sox do anything, everything for pitcher  —  Larry Lucchino was sitting on the floor, dressed in stocking feet and a lavender kimono, when he made the stunning announcement to the 7,627 members of the international media who gathered yesterday at Fenway Park [map].

Feeling Chipper again  —  Ten 30-something ex-stars who need to turn it on  —  If you sat down and tried to come up with the 10 best players in baseball today, it's a good bet Chipper Jones wouldn't crack your list.  Even if you limited that little argument-starting exercise to the 10 best hitters …