YANKS TO GO AFTER MANNY, TEIXEIRA  —  According to several baseball officials, the Yankees remain in the Mark Teixeira hunt.  But the same connected voices insist if the Yankees don't land the switch-hitting first baseman, they will turn their money toward controversial slugger Manny Ramirez.

Yanks improve rotation, keep young talent  —  The winter obsession last year was Johan Santana — and the Yankees or the Red Sox could have had him.  They could have traded for the accomplished left-hander who was about to turn 29.  But what folks in both front offices decided was that the double-barreled cost was prohibitive.

Teixeira to attend Ravens game  —  Free agent first baseman and Severna Park native Mark Teixeira will be a guest of Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos at today's Ravens-Steelers game, according to ESPN.  —  Orioles fans have been desperate for any sign of hope with the organization …

Francisco Rodriguez from the mountain top  —  CARACAS, Venezuela - The harrowing series of switchbacks snakes upward, winding past secluded mansions in the Alta Hatillo section of Caracas, a scene that could be straight out of the HBO hit show “Entourage.”  —  High up in these hills …

Madden: Cashman paying the price  —  Out of sheer desperation, Brian Cashman has had to go back to the free-agent pitching well, where he hasn't fared too well as Yankee GM.  He should only hope now that $161 million over seven years for CC Sabathia and $82.5 million over five years …

Farnsworth, Royals agree to deal  —  Two-year, $9.25 million contract includes club option for 2011  —  The Royals' bullpen now has its hard-throwing right-hander.  —  Kansas City announced on Saturday that it had agreed to terms with Kyle Farnsworth on a two-year, $9.25 million deal that includes a club option for 2011.

Okajima completes 6-hour Honolulu Marathon  —  It really is a marathon, not a sprint.  —  Under rainy and wet conditions, Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima completed today's Honolulu Marathon in 6:10:26 (gun time).  —  Okajima, who turns 33 on Christmas Day, was among 23,000 runners …

Many big bats remain available for Tampa Bay Rays  —  Leaving Las Vegas, the Rays felt pretty good about their chances to add a big-name big bat to their lineup.  They have reason to feel even better now that Raul Ibanez has agreed to a reported three-year, $30-million deal with the Phillies.

Nelson keeping his options open  —  Reliever a free agent after not being tendered by Marlins  —  MIAMI — Even though the Marlins didn't tender reliever Joe Nelson a contract on Friday, the team did leave the door open for a possible return.  —  Shortly after the non-tender deadline passed …

Orioles part ways with RHP Cabrera  —  Buzz up!  —  BALTIMORE (Ticker) - The Baltimore Orioles have finally given up on pitcher Daniel Cabrera.  —  The club on Saturday declined to tender a contract to the righthander, allowing him to become a free agent.

Free Agency Watch: Kawakami, Takahashi, Saito  —  Today's free agency updates...  - According to Nikkan Sports, Boston is preparing a 3-year, $7m deal for Kenshin Kawakami.  Not an official offer yet, but the numbers sound right.  Sponichi has the Braves and Brewers also getting in on Kawakami.

Bruce doing his part to lure Hairston  —  Call Jay Bruce a six-tool player.  He can hit, hit for power, throw, field, run and lobby.  —  The lobbying part has come into play in the offseason.  —  Bruce is trying to persuade Jerry Hairston Jr. to return to the Reds.

Yankees Sign Burnett, May Be Out on Lowe  —  In an e-mail from ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, I asked him if he thought the Yankees would still be in on Derek Lowe now that they have signed AJ Burnett.  His response...