Report: Red Sox trade Coco Crisp to Royals  —  Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City reports that the Red Sox have traded Coco Crisp to the Royals in exchange for Ramon Ramirez.  —  Former Royals outfielder Brian McRae broke the story, but we're still waiting to see the move confirmed by other sources.

The Evan Grant Interview  —  Click here to listen to the Big Show's interview with Rangers beat writer Evan Grant, who left American League MVP Dustin Pedroia out of his Top 10 on his ballot.  —  Here is a partial transcript of the interview, which aired on Tuesday afternoon:  —  Evan Grant: Sure, fire away.

Source: Yanks still trying to woo Burnett  —  The Yankees still are preparing a formal offer for righthanded pitcher A.J. Burnett, a club official said yesterday, but the Red Sox have become serious competitors to land him.  —  The Red Sox's pursuit of Burnett complicates the Yankees' plans.

Cubs showing interest in KC's Teahen  —  Right fielder could present cost-feasible solution for power lefty  —  CHICAGO — Now that the Cubs have taken care of their first offseason priority and have re-signed Ryan Dempster, the next move is to find a left-handed bat for the middle of the order.

Mets have choice of either K-Rod or Fuentes  —  The Mets have many goals and many choices in this baseball offseason, but as they take in the lay of the land now, they think they know this:  —  Acquiring a closer will be first on their list of accomplishments.

Braves shift offseason pitching strategy  —  Even with hurlers coming off market, Atlanta still optimistic  —  ATLANTA — Now that the starting pitching options have started to dwindle on the free-agent market, it's even easier to understand why the Braves worked so hard in an attempt to acquire ace Jake Peavy.

Tigers interested in lefty Beimel  —  Dombrowski would like to have two southpaws in bullpen  —  DETROIT — Add Joe Beimel to the list of left-handed relievers the Tigers have explored.  The club has been in touch with his agent and shown interest, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Commentary: Valverde, Wigginton have to go  —  Goodbye, Jose Valverde.  You, too, Ty Wigginton.  Pick up your lovely parting gifts at the door.  —  The Astros seem likely to trade both of them in the next few weeks.  You won't like the reason.  Don't shoot the messenger.

Peanuts, Cracker Jack and Some Illegal Juice  —  “Back Back Back,” a new play by Itamar Moses about baseball's steroids scandal, could actually use a little juicing itself.  Mr. Moses' disappointingly drama-free drama does little more than skim the surface of the protracted controversy …

Jays need to be dealers if money is tight  —  The dismal North American economy may be a precursor to the ‘09 Jays’ payroll being reduced from its year-end $97 million (all figures U.S.), as was hinted by outgoing president Paul Godfrey last week.  But don't look for any big announcement from Rogers ownership.

BERNIE: I'M NOT DONE YET  —  Musician Bernie Williams said last night he has a new CD coming out in April called “Moving Forward.”  —  Just in case any GMs like Brian Cashman are interested, Williams also said he has not shut the door on his baseball career.  Williams, 40, is not totally ready to move forward away from baseball.