Yanks almost ready to unveil Teixeira  —  The Yankees are making plans for a press conference to fete new first baseman Mark Teixeira, perhaps as early as Tuesday, according to baseball sources.  —  Teixeira agreed to an eight-year, $180 million contract two days before Christmas.

CATCH-22 … At Jason Varitek's peak, he was a top-five catcher, an offensive force who was just as valuable behind the plate as he was in the locker room.  —  But offensively, that peak is at least three years gone.  The Red Sox would be making a mistake to pay him like the player he once was …

Hot Stove is poised to pick up pace  —  Several marquee names remain without 2009 homes  —  With the Hot Stove League past its midpoint, and with less than six weeks remaining before pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, the words of A's general manager Billy Beane are ringing true less …

Braves' interest in Jones, Lowe is slight  —  Outfielder's game in question, while righty's price is too high  —  ATLANTA — To say the Braves have absolutely zero interest in Derek Lowe and Andruw Jones wouldn't exactly be accurate.  But their interest in these two players currently appears to be only moderate.

Sabathia, Uptons prominent on MLB watch list in 2009  —  What's going to happen this year in Major League Baseball?  We asked some of ESPN's finest about people and teams to watch in nine different categories in 2009. … There are times when a young player's extraordinary physical ability …

Are today's closers Hall-worthy?  —  Rivera, Hoffman two active pitchers who are leading candidates  —  NEW YORK — As Lee Smith waits to learn if he will pass through the Baseball Hall of Fame's doors, many among the current crop of Major League closers have their own dreams of someday being given an afternoon in the Cooperstown sun.

Brewers remain on the free-agent prowl  —  Lineup returns intact, but pitching a priority with vacancies  —  MILWAUKEE — It's back to work for Brewers officials on Monday following their holiday break, with only 39 days before pitchers and catchers formally report for the start of Spring Training.

Pirates notes: Bradley says he's no bust  —  Bobby Bradley will be remembered as one of the Pittsburgh Pirates' many failed pitching prospects of this decade.  He isn't entirely happy about that.  —  “I've read things where people said I was a bust and I don't think that is necessarily fair …

Would Jones be worth a look?  —  The Dodgers have cut a financial deal with Andruw Jones that will lead to him getting traded or released.  —  The Yankees could use a center fielder.  Jones is a five-time All-Star center fielder.  So naturally many people have e-mailed wondering if the Yankees are interested.

Jones' career in jeopardy  —  • The Braves seemingly got to the 1-yard line in their negotiations for Jake Peavy in November, reaching the point where they were haggling over the last prospects in the deal.  We don't know yet if Jeff Moorad's proposed deal to buy the Padres …