Jose Canseco Reviewed: With Spoilers  —  There I was, wandering through a quaint Cambridge bookstore on Monday, when I noticed a copy of Jose Canseco's new book “Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball” in their tiny sports section.  That's odd, I thought.

Pettitte pushed back to third or fourth  —  Lefty sidelined with back spasms; Mussina to follow Wang  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees have reshuffled their starting rotation to accommodate left-hander Andy Pettitte, who has been pushed back to the third or fourth game of the season because of back spasms.

Moss, Manny come up clutch  —  Rookie ties things up with blast, veteran drives in winning runs  —  TOKYO — The 24-year-old outfield prospect from Loganville, Ga., had to travel all the way to the Far East to club his first Major League homer.  However, the timing was nothing short …

Balentien out of mix in Mariners' outfield puzzle  —  Reed drawing interest from Padres, Rays  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — One piece was taken out of the Mariners' outfield puzzle Monday morning when rookie Wladimir Balentien was sent down to Triple-A Tacoma.  —  Although maybe it shouldn't have, the news came as a major blow to Balentien.

From Wright to Cabrera: The top 50 for five years … This winter, I made lists of the top players at each position over the next five seasons (2008 to 2012).  Mistakes were made, readers were horrified and corrections were issued.  With that experience to guide me, I've now combined …

Brewers release Vargas  —  Phoenix - In a somewhat surprising move and a definite commitment toward youth, the Brewers just released veteran right-hander Claudio Vargas.  —  The move paves the way for two young pitchers, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva, to make the starting rotation, along with Ben Sheets, Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush.

Maine continues to pitch well for Mets  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - One week from now, every player's spring training statistics will be irrelevant, and that's a shame for John Maine.  —  The righthander has dominated the Grapefruit League this month, and that continued yesterday in the Mets' 1-0 win over the Orioles.

Cubs sign Reed Johnson  —  The Cubs signed outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year deal for $1.3 million guaranteed.  He is expected to play today against the Giants.  —  Johnson, 31, played for the Blue Jays from 2003-07 with a .281 average.  —  In other moves, the team optioned outfielders Sam Fuld …

Register on waivers, likely headed elsewhere  —  Reliever Steven Register has been placed on waivers, two sources unaffiliated with the Mets told the Daily News.  That signals that Mets officials intend to turn elsewhere - presumably to Joe Smith or Brian Stokes - if Duaner Sanchez is not ready to break camp with the team.

DirecTV, out?  —  I've been getting emails from DirecTV customers, who've said that their packages (ESPN2 and NESN) are out.  Not sure if this is affecting all customers, or just some, but apparently there are some very unhappy early risers.  —  Sorry about that.

It's official: Tigers, Miguel Cabrera reach deal; saved money by doing it now  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — The Tigers formally announced today the seven-year contract extension through 2015 with third baseman Miguel Cabrera that prevents him from leaving as a free agent after the 2009 season.

Beltre prepared to play through pain  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Adrian Beltre suited up to play Monday, just like he always does.  —  His daily preparations include a tight flexible bandage around his left wrist.  —  Beltre injured the wrist diving for a ball June 1 against Texas.