A-Rod to play for the Dominican in WBC  —  Buzz up!  —  Alex Rodriguez, who nearly sat out the inaugural World Baseball Classic because he did not want to choose between playing for his native United States or the Dominican Republic, the country of his parents' birth, is changing uniforms for the 2009 Classic.

Another Addition to the Bert Blyleven Series  —  I received an email yesterday afternoon from my colleague Patrick Sullivan.  The subject read: “Paging Mr. Lederer...” The body of the email had a link to a blog entry by T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers beat writer for MLB.com.

Braves appear to be front-runner for Burnett  —  The hot topic in baseball Thursday was which initial-laden free-agent starter will be the first to sign — A.J. Burnett or CC Sabathia?  —  For weeks now, I'd have guessed it would be Sabathia.  But not anymore.  I'm flip-flopping over to Burnett.

Rays expanding reach to Brazil  —  Partnership formed to build country's first MLB-run academy  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are spreading their wings to Brazil.  —  On Thursday, the Rays announced they have built a partnership with the city of Marilia, Brazil, that will include construction …

Wilson could restructure contract for Dodgers  —  Tigers also in mix, make fresh offer for Pirates' shortstop  —  The Detroit Tigers ramped up their pursuit of Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, but the Los Angeles Dodgers remain very much in the mix.  —  And the latter is the case, in large part, because of money matters.

Omar, bring home Manny  —  Since the baseball season ended, Met fans have heard just two names when it comes to free-agent targets: K-Rod and Brian Fuentes.  —  But when Omar Minaya heads to Vegas this weekend, he should go after the ultimate closer: Manny Ramirez.

The Yankees May Have Blown It With Pettitte and Abreu  —  While much of the media focus has been on New York's pursuit of C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees took the unusual step this week of not offering arbitration to both Bobby Abreu, last season's starting right fielder, and starting pitcher Andy Pettitte.

Sox ink former Pirates first-round pick  —  Hurler Van Benschoten signs Minor League deal with Chicago  —  PITTSBURGH — Former Pirates right-hander John Van Benschoten has signed a Minor League contract with the White Sox, officially severing ties with the Pirates organization …

Seattle Mariners  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

CC, Burnett in no hurry to make decisions  —  CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are accepting all offers.  But when will they actually sign?  Ken Rosenthal has the difficult answers.

Economy puts a hurt on market  —  In recent weeks, several agents have downplayed the possible impact of the nation's financial problems on baseball.  —  Actions, however, speak louder than words, and in this case, the actions are that owners are proceeding with caution this offseason.

Reliever Julio reaches one-year deal with Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Free agent reliever Jorge Julio agreed Thursday to a $950,000, one-year contract with Milwaukee, adding a right-hander with experience as a closer to the Brewers' thin bullpen.  —  The 29-year-old split last season between Cleveland …

Finances could limit Jays' options  —  Economy, Canadian dollar might make for quiet Winter Meetings … Club needs  —  STARTING PITCHING — The Blue Jays plan on trying to re-sign free agent A.J. Burnett, who also has suitors in the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Braves and Phillies.