YANKEES: Five years for Burnett?  —  His agent says he can get it, but Yanks would prefer only four  —  Darek Braunecker, the representative for A.J. Burnett, said Friday night that his client will be able to sign a five-year deal this offseason, although he didn't identify the team willing …

Joe Beimel's days with Dodgers apparently over  —  Agent Joe Sroba says team has expressed no interest in re-signing the left-handed reliever, and GM Ned Colletti confirms Sroba's belief that Dodgers ‘want to go in a different direction.’  —  Unless the Dodgers change their minds …

Brewers waiting on word from Sabathia  —  Brewers have not heard from free-agent lefty's camp  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin refuted any notion that he's growing frustrated, even after another week passed by with no response from CC Sabathia's representatives.

Should the Moose make the Hall?  —  What do you think?  Vote in the poll over to the right.  —  As for me, I don't have a vote yet.  But I will when he comes up for election in five years and I will vote for him.  —  I was on the borderline until a few months ago until a conversation with Johnny Damon convinced me.

METS MAY PAY FOR CITI SLUMP  —  EDGY ABOUT $400M DEAL  —  The Mets better not get too attached to the name Citi Field.  —  Team officials are said to be increasingly nervous as struggling Citigroup's stock continues to plummet - and potentially endangers their $20 million-a-year naming-rights deal for the new $850 million stadium.

D-Backs make offer to R. Vazquez  —  Looking to fill a hole at second base, the Diamondbacks have made a contract offer to free-agent infielder Ramon Vazquez.  —  Details of the offer are unknown.  —  Vazquez's agent, Melvin Roman, said his client also has received an offer from another team.

Millwood, Padilla drawing some interest  —  The Braves, Dodgers and Mets are believed to be among teams that have inquired about Rangers starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla.  Both pitchers provide viable, reasonably cost-effective options in case those teams strike out on the free-agent market.

Washington Nationals Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  Alexander Hamilton, my favorite Founding Father  —  Washington Nationals Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get out of the top 10.

Cuba throws 2 baseball stars off top team  —  HAVANA—Ace pitcher Yadel Marti and star outfielder Yasser Gomez have been thrown off Cuba's top league team for “a grave act of indiscipline,” likely ending their hopes of playing in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Renteria's rep negotiating with Giants  —  Shortstop likely won't sign until fellow free agent Furcal does  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The plot thickened slightly Friday in the Giants' search for a free-agent infielder, as Jeff Lane, the representative for shortstop Edgar Renteria …

Van Benschoten parts ways with Bucs  —  Former first-round pick decides to pursue roster spot elsewhere  —  PITTSBURGH — After many attempts to stick with the Pirates' Major League club, John Van Benschoten has decided to make his next attempt at the big leagues elsewhere.

Mets open to dealing catchers  —  There are indications the Mets might consider overhauling their catching situation.  While the Mets haven't spoken publicly about any dissatisfaction with their tandem of Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro, some competing executives say the Mets …