JETER DROPS THE BALL AS CAPTAIN  —  These have not been questions about his relationship with Jessica Biel or Mariah Carey or whatever starlet of the moment Derek Jeter was romancing.  —  When it comes to that, Jeter is right.  His off-the-field associations have nothing to do with on-the-field results.

Source: Young has offer from Rangers  —  Shortstop, team won't discuss negotiations for long-term deal  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - The sound of silence is deafening.  —  According to a major league source, the Rangers have offered shortstop Michael Young a contract extension …

Jimmy Rollins reiterates: Phillies will win NL East  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - He said it.  He meant it.  —  So Jimmy Rollins repeated his proclamation, saying Tuesday that the Phillies - a team that hasn't made the postseason since 1993 - is the team to beat in the National League East.

Ichiro may leave  —  M's star admits thinking about free agency  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Mariners icon Ichiro Suzuki admitted for the first time Tuesday that he might leave Seattle after the 2007 season.  —  Stopping far short of saying he wanted out, Ichiro said the idea of becoming a free agent …

Zambrano, Cubs agree on 1-year deal  —  $12.4 million, no arbitration, but long-term deal looks iffy  —  MESA, Ariz. — Part I of the Carlos Zambrano saga ended Tuesday when he agreed to a one-year, $12.4 million deal, avoiding an arbitration hearing only minutes before it was to begin.

Top 100 Prospects  —  In his first year at Baseball Prospectus, Kevin Goldstein combined his eye for talent, his broad network of sources and his unique blend of skills analysis and performance analysis to bring minor-league coverage to BP.  Now, he synthesizes that information into a complete ranking …

Could be lucky 7th spot for White Sox's Iguchi  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Beads of sweat formed around Tadahito Iguchi's forehead Tuesday as the questions became more penetrating.  —  After failing to produce last spring in the sixth and seventh spots in the White Sox's batting order, Iguchi will have to adapt to future changes.

Boone completes trip around the horn  —  JUPITER — The last time infielder Aaron Boone played first base, he was in the minor leagues.  That was more than 10 years ago.  —  On Tuesday, Boone started his 11th major-league season by going back to school for a first-base refresher.

Baker transforms himself into ultimate utility player  —  TUCSON - Jeff Baker was a concern for the Rockies last year.  He was headed into the final year of a four-year, major league contract he signed with them when he came out of Clemson.  The first three seasons had created more questions than answers.

MLB's synthetic caps designed to wick away sweat  —  BUFFALO, N.Y. — One question facing baseball this season: Will cooler heads prevail?  —  On Opening Day, the sport will doff the traditional wool cap in favor of a new polyester blend model designed to wick away sweat before it can stream down a player's face.

Yankees refugee Crosby likes camaraderie on Reds  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - When Bubba Crosby walked into the Reds clubhouse at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex for the first time, he saw something he wasn't really used to, guys hugging each other and talking about dinner plans.

Padilla Says He Still Has Something Up His Sleeve  —  As Juan Padilla closed his eyes and turned away, Jorge Sosa showed a crowd of onlookers his card — the two of diamonds — before he shoved it into the bottom of the deck.  Padilla shuffled the cards with a little too much force, and most of them crashed to the ground.

Alou intent on returning to playoffs  —  At 40 years old, veteran outfielder not ready for retirement  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — As the Giants' 2006 season was winding down, Moises Alou began thinking seriously that it would be his final year as a Major Leaguer.

Top 10 Spring Training position battles  —  Pitchers and catchers have arrived in Arizona and Florida, position players are filtering in, and before you know it Cactus and Grapefruit League play will begin.  —  That means it's time to start thinking about spring training implications.

If at First He Doesn't Succeed . . .  Nats' Broadway Knows He May Not Get Another Chance Like This One  —  The kids behind the chain-link fence squealed early Tuesday afternoon as the object of their affection approached: "He's right there!  He's right there!"

Notes: Eye surgery helping Peralta  —  Shortstop expects restored vision to benefit all aspects of game  —  WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Looking in to read catcher Victor Martinez's signs from his shortstop position, all Jhonny Peralta could see was a fuzzy blur.

Owners will wait and see on Schill  —  FORT MYERS - Curt Schilling [stats] said he plans to file for free agency after the season if he doesn't receive a contract extension before the end of spring training but it appears the Red Sox [team stats] are not in a hurry to give him one.