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.

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 …

Henry drives points home  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — He's still a whiter shade of pale and wears a hat that makes us think of the man in the Curious George books.  He's still checking on pork bellies and hedge funds at 4 a.m. He's still a notorious low-talker and yesterday he was probably …

Zambrano, Cubs avoid arbitration  —  The Chicago Cubs and right-hander Carlos Zambrano settled their arbitration case Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year, $12.4 million contract and avoiding a potentially divisive hearing.  —  Zambrano had requested $15.5 million in arbitration.  The Cubs were offering $11.025 million.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

Loe determined to regain spot after an emotionally and physically painful '06  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Under the best of circumstances, succeeding as a major league baseball pitcher — even for one game — is a significant challenge.  —  If during a three-day period you learn that one of your best friends …

DELGADO BELIEVES  —  AFTER SURGERY, CARLOS CLAIMS HE'LL BE BETTER  —  Plenty of things Carlos Delgado did last year were terrific.  He was a major addition to the Mets' team and lineup, and acquiring him before last season was undoubtedly critical to their NL East crown.