Dodgers talk privately with Russell Martin, part ways with Andruw Jones  —  The catcher and McCourts share lunch and tour of team's new spring training facility in Arizona, as he expresses hopes for long-term contract extension.  Jones is release after disappointing results.

Red Sox give Kevin Youkilis four-year extension  —  Having missed out on signing free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, the Red Sox [team stats] have taken steps to hold onto the All-Star first baseman they already have.  —  The Sox and Kevin Youkilis [stats] have a four-year extension …

Brewers' pursuit of Dunn is done  —  Team not interested in trading Hart to open spot for slugger  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers showed some interest in free-agent slugger Adam Dunn during the Winter Meetings, but by Christmas there was no longer a match, general manager Doug Melvin said.

Why it's never been a game to me.  —  Baseball has never been a game to me, regardless of what anyone outside the profession may think.  It wasn't a game to me before I was a player, and certainly wasn't a game when I was a player.  It was always more than that to me and this story below nails it in so many ways.

Carlos Delgado will honor Roberto Clemente at WBC  —  Carlos Delgado knows there will be much riding on his back when he dons his World Baseball Classic jersey for Puerto Rico in March.  The Met first baseman has been given permission by Roberto Clemente's family to wear No. 21 …

Young will shift to third base  —  Rangers shortstop changes stance, clearing way for rookie Andrus  —  Rangers infielder Michael Young has agreed to move to third base for the 2009 season.  —  Young has also rescinded his request for a trade.  The move opens the door for rookie Elvis Andrus to play shortstop.

Source: Garcia in talks with Mets and Yankees  —  Freddy Garcia hopes to decide by next week whom he will sign with.  Garcia is choosing between the Mets, Yankees, White Sox and Rangers.  His agent, Peter Greenberg, tells 1050, “They all have their pros and cons.”

Three key Orioles file for arbitration  —  Team can work out deals with Markakis, Scott and Sherrill  —  BALTIMORE — Three key Orioles filed for arbitration on Thursday, binding themselves to the team in the process.  George Sherrill, Nick Markakis and Luke Scott have all filed for arbitration …

Three Yankees file for arbitration  —  Outfielders Nady and Melky, reliever Bruney could go to hearing  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees' Brian Bruney, Melky Cabrera and Xavier Nady joined a group of 111 Major League players who filed for salary arbitration on Thursday.

Quote: Minaya on Manny, Offense  —  Last night on SNY's Mets Hot Stove, Mets GM Omar Minaya was asked if he could bring in a player, like Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu or Manny Ramirez, on a one-year deal, and said: … Minaya did note how left-handed dominant his batting order is, adding, “So …

Some closure on the Tigers' pursuit of JJ Putz  —  The epilogue in the Tigers' unsuccessful pursuit of closer J.J. Putz came this week - in the form of news from Tampa Bay.  —  Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton is expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery, according to reports.

Reed among Mets to file for arbitration  —  NEW YORK — Six Mets players, including Jeremy Reed, the outfielder the club obtained in the J.J. Putz trade last month, have filed for salary arbitration.  —  The club faces possible hearings with Ryan Church, Pedro Feliciano, John Maine, Angel Pagan and Duaner Sanchez, as well.

Hillman to host infield get-together  —  Manager has Major League-sized turf at his spread in Texas  —  KANSAS CITY — Hey, y'all, come on down to Liberty Hill, Texas.  Set a spell.  Chew the fat.  Snag some worm-killers.  Whack the ol' horsehide.  —  All you infielders, that is.

Orioles, Zaun agree to one-year deal  —  Contract includes team option for 2010; physical planned for Tuesday  —  Toronto Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun (right) is tagged out by Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora as he looks for a stolen base last season.  Zaun agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Orioles.

BREAKING: Ergopharm raided  —  Barely more than a week after Major League Baseball suspended Phillies reliever J.C. Romero for 50 games for using a banned substance, the laboratory that produced the nutritional supplement that the left-hander claimed was tainted and caused him to falsely test positive …

Kazmir, Howell added to Team USA  —  Rays southpaws bring American roster to 26 players for Classic  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays will be represented on Team USA's roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic after Scott Kazmir and J.P. Howell were added to the team Thursday.