Hank Steinbrenner Talks Himself, Twins Into a Tizzy  —  Anyone following the Yankees in the news for the past few months must be tired of hearing from Hank Steinbrenner about the possibility of a trade with the Minnesota Twins for young pitcher Johan Santana.  It's been literally weeks and weeks of the same mantra: “I'm in charge!”

Prospectus Today  —  Breakout Candidates  —  Friday, I wrote about Jeff Francoeur, who I believe is on the brink of a very big breakout season.  The question naturally follows: Which players will join him in taking a big leap forward in 2008?  —  There are a number of ways to define a “breakout season.”

Baseball May Discipline Giants, Clubs for Hiding Drug Concerns  —  Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) — Baseball is considering discipline against San Francisco Giants executives and officials from other teams who may have failed to report suspected steroid use by players, Commissioner Bud Selig said.

Yankees invite 26 to Spring Training  —  Non-roster players include top prospects Horne, Tabata  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees announced on Tuesday that they have invited 26 non-roster players to Spring Training in Tampa, Fla., bringing the total number of players scheduled to report to 66.

Tejada's brother dies in motorcycle crash  —  SAN PEDRO DE MACORIS, Dominican Republic - An older brother of Major League Baseball star Miguel Tejada was killed in a traffic accident Tuesday, the shortstop's Dominican winter league team said.  —  Freddy Tejada died when his motorcycle collided …

Chat with Jerry Crasnick  —  Welcome to The Show!  Jerry Crasnick is stopping by Tuesday 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, Jerry!  —  Last week, we focused on the past and present …

Top Red Sox prospects attend orientation  —  BOSTON (AP) — Clay Buchholz has already pitched a no-hitter during a pennant race.  That doesn't make him an expert on life in the big leagues.  —  Buchholz is one of 12 top Red Sox prospects attending a rookie orientation this week …

Mariners bringing back Rhodes  —  The Mariners firmed up one more deal Tuesday designed to add strength and depth to the bullpen by agreeing to terms with veteran left-hander Arthur Rhodes on a one-year, make-good contract.  —  Rhodes signed a minor league contract that comes with an invitation to spring training.

Pirates, LaRoche agree on one-year deal  —  Sides avoid arbitration, plan to keep discussing longer term  —  The Pirates and first baseman Adam LaRoche avoided arbitration yesterday by agreeing to a one-year contract with a base salary of $5 million.  —  The sides plan to continue discussing …

3 Ohio U. players linked to gambling  —  Ohio University baseball coach Joe Carbone was an assistant at Ohio State University when former Buckeye quarterback Art Schlichter first was arrested for gambling.  —  Ever since, Carbone has held out Schlichter as an example of what can happen …

America's Top Sports Mascots  —  Mean and scary is out, warm and fuzzy is in—all the better to warm youngsters' hearts.  —  Hook 'em while they're young.  It's a common corporate strategy: Appeal to young groups and secure a slew of customers for life.  And when it comes to professional sports …

Yankees invite 26 players to Spring Training  —  The New York Yankees announced today that they have invited 26 non-roster players to Spring Training in Tampa, Florida.  The list includes nine pitchers, five catchers, five infielders and seven outfielders.  The total number of players now scheduled to report is 66.

Reshaped Braves aim toward spring training  —  A few thoughts while waiting for the expected announcement from the Braves that Mark Kotsay has passed his physical and the center field gap has been stopped.  —  Assuming the veteran outfielder's surgically repaired back passed muster …

Richmond Braves coming to Gwinnett  —  Atlanta's Class AAA affiliate could make move for 2009 season  —  There will soon be two Braves teams playing professional baseball in metro Atlanta, sometimes on the same day.  —  The Atlanta Braves will move their Class AAA minor-league team to Gwinnett County …