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.

Manny's game-winning hit is worth a million  —  TOKYO - Manny Ramirez lurched toward the man holding the giant check and tried to grab it.  The man elbowed him away.  Ramirez took the hint for about 5 seconds, then reached out once more.  There is something special about a giant check.

Cubs, outfielder Reed Johnson agree to one-year contract  —  Additionally, Cubs announce fifth round of roster cuts; Place right-hander Angel Guzman on 60-day disabled list  —  MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs today announced the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Reed Johnson on a one-year contract.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Bring Your Questions for Sabermetrician Bill James  —  If the name Bill James doesn't mean anything to you, then you are probably not a baseball fan and have no need to read further.  If, however, you are a baseball fan — ranging from fairly serious to obsessively statistical …

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.

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.