Yanks: ‘Still a little talk’ with Twins over Santana  —  TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner has not closed the door on a trade for Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana, despite reports to the contrary.  —  “It's still in the deciding process,” …

Mailbag: Will Braves keep up in East?  —  Atlanta beat reporter Mark Bowman answers fans' questions  —  What National League East team do you think will pose the biggest threat for the Braves this year?  —  This once again appears to be a three-horse race, with the Mets only currently …

Johnny Podres, Series Star, Dies at 75  —  Johnny Podres, who became a celebrated figure in the storied history of the Brooklyn Dodgers in October 1955, when he pitched them to their only World Series championship, died Sunday in Glens Falls, N.Y. Podres, who lived nearby in Queensbury, N.Y., was 75.

Let's Play Hardball  —  What will happen when Bud and Don face Congress?  —  1) What can we expect at tomorrow's hearing?  —  Former Senator George Mitchell, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, and Major League Baseball Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr …

Texas adds Fukumori to roster  —  Shelton designated; close to deal, Jennings has physical  —  ARLINGTON — Relief pitcher Kazuo Fukumori is finally with the Rangers but first baseman Chris Shelton is not, a move that could open up a spot for rookie infielder German Duran.

Mets name Nieto first-base coach  —  Former catching instructor takes over for departed Henderson  —  NEW YORK — The first-base coaching box at Shea Stadium will no longer need to contain Rickey Henderson's flair.  The Mets on Monday named Tom Nieto to Henderson's old post …

Mike Cameron, Savior  —  I'd like to nominate Milwaukee's signing of Mike Cameron as the best free agent move of the off-season.  It's basically a one-year deal for $7 million and triggers an avalanche of changes on defense:  — Cameron takes over in center field.

Chat with Tim Kurkjian  —  Welcome to The Show!  Tim Kurkjian is stopping by Monday at 1 p.m. ET as part of our ongoing Hot Stove Heaters chats!  Check back each day for a new topic and a new chat!  Take it away, Tim!  —  Who is the best left-handed starting pitcher in baseball?

Pena waiting too  —  Carlos Pena called from the Dominican Republic on Monday to say he, too, is waiting to hear about the status of contract negotiations with the Rays.  Pena is eligible for arbitartion so he'll be with the Rays in 2008 but the question is how much he'll make and for how long he'll sign.

Hot Stove: A's unlikely to trade Blanton  —  Right-hander expected to start 2008 season as Oakland's ace  —  Deals that would send veterans Scott Rolen, Mark Kotsay and Troy Glaus to new teams were all but finalized, though official word was still pending early Monday afternoon.

Checking Venezuela and the warehouse  —  According to the Mariners, Adam Jones has been cleared to play tonight for Lara of the Venezuelan Winter League.  —  So all we need to know is why he was pulled from the lineup over the weekend, and why he's back in it.