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 …

Source: Yankees don't regret spending spree  —  The Yankees have no regrets about their December spending spree, a source said Wednesday, despite criticism from other clubs.  But their winter pickups may be done, perhaps leaving no room for Andy Pettitte.  —  The Yankees are comfortable …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Henderson reaches half-century mark, and the Hall will be calling soon  —  The signs have to be there.  —  As baseball's all-time greatest leadoff hitter shuffles out of bed this morning, it would make him only normal if life's little reminders tapped him on the shoulder as an observance of his half-century on the planet.

Times Co. Seeking to Sell Its Stake in the Red Sox  —  The New York Times Company is trying to sell its stake in the Boston Red Sox baseball team, seeking to raise cash and shield its newspaper franchise from rapidly falling revenue, a person briefed on the plans said on Wednesday.