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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Daniels hoping rotation blossoms during spring  —  ARLINGTON — Jon Daniels has spent the off-season reshaping the Rangers, but now his most delicate task is at hand.  —  Today, Daniels and his wife, Robyn, depart for spring training in Surprise, Ariz., and will travel with the ultimate rookie …

Baseball players' union asks for steroid ruling  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Major League Baseball Players Association asked a federal appeals court late Monday to revisit its December decision to allow investigators probing steroids in sports to use the names and urine samples of more than 100 players …