Yankees aren't doing anything new  —  Before reacting to the Yankees signing free agent Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract, try taking a deep breath and counting to 10.  —  Yes, they signed Teixeira to the fourth-richest contract in major league history - right behind the 10-year …

Sosa ready, waiting to return to major leagues  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Sammy Sosa is still waiting for an offer to play in the major leagues, according to a report published by Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.  —  Sosa, who previously had expressed his intention to retire …

Relive Burke's walk-off in '05 NLDS  —  Rookie's blast ended 18-inning affair, sent Astros to NLCS  —  All throughout the 2005 regular season, while the Astros reached the playoffs as the National League's Wild Card team, they needed help from just about everyone on the 40-man roster to get a chance to compete in October.

Yankees brass comfortable with spending spree  —  The Yankees have no regrets about their December spending spree, a source said Wednesday, despite criticism from other clubs.  But their offseason pickups may be complete, perhaps leaving no room for Andy Pettitte.

Yankees guarding top guns  —  In the baseball equivalent of receiving a complete set of electric trains, pitching coach Dave Eiland's unforgettable holiday present was the addition of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to the Yankees' starting staff.  —  “That's as good a 1-2 punch for me as you're going to find …

For Teixeira, the choice was Yankees or Nationals  —  Happy holidays to all.  —  Did anyone receive an Orioles-related present this morning?  I'm guessing there had to be a road jersey in somebody's gift pile.  —  I didn't want the day to pass without filing an entry.

Stadium salute softens sweet sorrow  —  Ruth's house gets grand goodbye, but 12-year playoff run ends  —  NEW YORK — It was a season of transition for the Yankees, who bid farewell to their classic home after 85 years of memories and prepared to look to the future rising quickly across 161st Street.

Crasnick: Rice's last year on ballot continues debate … If you have access to a wireless connection and a Web site that follows baseball, you're probably aware that Jim Rice's Hall of Fame case stems from his reputation as one of the “most feared” hitters in the game in the late 1970s and early '80s.

Opinion: Spend like the Yankees  —  In the New York Post, Mike Vaccaro says, “The Mets should start acting like they belong in the varsity league by addressing their lingering needs with the most tried-and-true method possible... By spending their money.”  —  I dislike this argument.  Yes, i agree with it.

Zelasko seeks Dodgers' play-by-play gig  —  This is The Republic's On Sports Media column for Friday, Dec. 26, 2008.  —  Jeanne Zelasko got hooked on baseball when she was “a little peanut” writing letters to her father who was working in Asia, trying to impress him by slipping in the name …

Lowe not an imminent addition to Mets  —  The Mets continue to try to sign one more starting pitcher, but general manager Omar Minaya said nothing is imminent.  —  “We're talking, we're having discussions, but nothing's going to happen in the next day or two,” Minaya said by phone Wednesday afternoon.

2008 was annoying, crazy, inspirational sports year  —  Hey, Brett Favre, let it end.  Or let it continue.  Just get to it already, will ya?  —  Each time Michael Jordan retired and unretired, he made his decision quickly by fax, statement or press conference.  Favre favors the never-ending soap opera approach.