Liveblogging MLB Network launch  —  It's 2009 at last, and that means the MLB Network goes live in an estimated 50 million homes.  It's the largest launch in cable network history, and we are liveblogging this New Year's Day all the way.  —  5:22 p.m.: Jimmy Rollins is in the house.

Florida Marlins likely to sign Scott Proctor  —  The Marlins are expected to sign former Dodgers right-hander Scott Proctor to bolster a bullpen that has lost several veterans.  —  Proctor agreed to a one-year contract for $750,000, with another $250,000 in incentives, according to an industry source.

Altering Jones deal could lead to Manny  —  Dodgers discuss reworking contract of unhappy-in-LA outfielder  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are in discussions to rework the contract of beleaguered outfielder Andruw Jones, with the goal of moving him off the roster while freeing up salary …

Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  Age relative to league isn't everything. . .  Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get out of the top 10.

Giants Aggressively Pursuing Manny?  —  By Tim Dierkes [January 1 at 10:28pm CST]  —  10:28pm: Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle is skeptical about this rumor.  His bottom line: “At some point the Giants could consider Ramirez under very specific financial conditions.

RIGHTY IS SNEEZING AT $12M PER YEAR  —  The Mets are playing Lowe ball, but their target isn't biting.  —  According to a baseball source, Derek Lowe is hardly overwhelmed by the three-year offer of about $36 million the Mets have extended him, potentially sending the sides toward a protracted stare-down.

Friars seek overall improvement in '09  —  Black calls for club to step up in every area this season  —  SAN DIEGO — Bud Black, set to begin his third season as manager of the Padres in 2009, recently said there's no one specific area his team needs to be better at if it's to climb back to the top of the National League West.

Edwin Rodriguez makes jump from Single-A to Triple-A  —  While celebrating the new year with a new affiliation with the Florida Marlins, the Zephyrs announced Wednesday that they have a new manager in Edwin Rodriguez.  —  A former infielder who spent parts of three seasons with the Yankees and Padres …

On Jeff Suppan and his value for 2009  —  There's been some conversation in the comment section from Monday's Mug about the value of Jeff Suppan and how/if he should be utilized.  At present, he's pretty much penciled in for a rotation spot in 2009, and likely will be even if the Brewers sign another starter …

Rangers sign RHP Turnbow to minor league deal  —  Buzz up!  —  ARLINGTON, TEXAS (TICKER) —The Texas Rangers on Thursday signed pitchers Derrick Turnbow, Casey Daigle and Elizardo Ramirez to minor league contracts.  —  Turnbow, who will turn 31 on January 25, has spent the last four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.