Furcal says no to Braves, returns to Dodgers  —  Braves GM Wren: ‘I think you have to be upset with the turn of events’  —  The Braves' winter of discontent continued Wednesday, when shortstop Rafael Furcal reached a contract agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers — two days after the Braves said they had an agreement with Furcal.

MacPhail: ‘We have flexibility’ on Teixeira offer  —  Coverage of the Orioles' affiliates and other minor league news  —  Looking back at the players, fans and games that shaped the run to the Orioles' last World Series title.  —  Features  —  Buy Tickets  —  Featured Video Advertisers

Former Astro Smith dies of heart attack  —  Two-time All-Star reliever was on three Houston playoff teams  —  HOUSTON — Dave Smith, an Astros reliever from 1980-90 and a member of all three Houston playoff teams in the 1980s, died Wednesday of a heart attack.  He was 53.

Sabathia visits new Yankee Stadium  —  The Yankees have passed along these photos of new pitcher CC Sabathia touring the new Yankee Stadium.

Cameron-Cabrera talks off  —  It sounds as though the Yankees will not be getting Mike Cameron to play centerfield next year.  That could change, of course, but I just got off the phone with Brewers GM Doug Melvin.  He said: “Nothing new.  At this point, I don't anticipate it's something that we would (do). ...

Maine to Phils: Shut up already!  —  In addition to the Jerry Manuel Q&A below, I've got some news and notes from the Francisco Rodriguez introductory news conference this morning in Long Island City that was notable in part for what John Maine (pictured) had to say about the hated Phillies.

Alleged Beating by Padre Caught on Tape  —  A videotape released Tuesday shows San Diego Padre Brian Giles allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend in an Arizona bar.  —  Giles isn't commenting on a civil lawsuit filed against the Padres star outfielder.  He is accused of verbally …

Pirates on lookout for bullpen help  —  Bootcheck, King among Pittsburgh's targets this offseason  —  PITTSBURGH — They won't be the highest profile of names, but there are a number of relievers that Pirates general manager Neal Huntington continues to pursue as he looks to add to his bullpen options for 2009.

Why Boston Might Be Best  —  I often hear media members and sports ‘experts’ this time of year discussing the ‘details’ on free agents.  Everything from ‘close friend says’ to ‘his choice is to live in’ and I wonder just how much you believe, and what you think they really know.

Jenks not sweating contract situation  —  Sox closer would prefer ‘fair’ long-term deal over arbitration  —  CHICAGO — Bobby Jenks intentionally leaves contract negotiations to his agent and the White Sox, bringing himself into the equation on a need-to-know basis.

Reliever Nelson has several suitors  —  Agent says he's fielded inquiries from 19 teams for setup man  —  MIAMI — On the open market, Joe Nelson is attracting plenty of attention.  —  Non-tendered by the Marlins last Friday, Nelson's agent, Doug Schaer, has fielded inquiries from 19 teams.

Sandberg to manage in Double-A  —  Hall of Famer promoted to Tennessee as Cubs shuffle Minors staffs  —  CHICAGO — Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is moving up in the Cubs' Minor League system.  —  Sandberg, who has spent the past two seasons as the skipper for the Class A Peoria Chiefs …

Baldelli: “An encouraging development”  —  Free agent OF Rocco Baldelli clarified the Rhode Island TV reports this morning, saying there has been an updated diagnosis that is “an encouraging development” and with adjustments to his current medication he hopes “to be on the field on a much more regular basis.”