Movement in Varitek talks?  —  Roughly three months after the end of their 2008 season and fewer than three weeks before the start of spring training, the Red Sox have made a formal proposal to catcher Jason Varitek that could end a winter-long stalemate.  —  One way or the other.

Amaro: Eaton not an option; Add Wigginton to your list of names  —  Well, this should just about settle any talk about Adam Eaton's role, or lack thereof.  —  Asked today whether Adam Eaton had any chance at establishing himself as the Phillies' No. 5 starter, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, well, no.

Hot Stove Central  —  Follow the Hot Stove League all winter long and build your 2009 Yankee or Met dream lineup today.  Play Manager Now  —  It's A Madd, Madd World...  Say It Ain't So … Today's Top Picks … Best Of NYDN.com

Pettitte, Yanks continue discussions  —  Club may pursue Sheets or fill fifth starter's role from within  —  NEW YORK — Details of the months-old standoff between Andy Pettitte and the Yankees have not changed much, but both sides maintain interest in a reunion.

Talking Yankees prospects  —  A look at New York's top 10 Minor Leaguers  —  Let's take a preseason tour of the Yankees farm system with the help of our friends at Baseball America and a Major League scout who specializes in scouting American League prospects.

Casey retiring, headed to MLB Network  —  Former Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey is officially retiring, having signed on with the MLB Network.  Casey, The 34-year-old, who played in 69 games with Boston last season, hitting .322, finishes his 12-season career with a .302 lifetime batting average …

Cano and Bernie  —  Just came from Bernie Williams' Hillside Food Outreach Dinner at the Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle.  Robinson Cano was a special guest, or rather is a special guest, since we talked to the two guys before the dinner actually began.

Reds' Gonzalez to be ready for spring training  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez and his injured knee have been given the green light for spring training.  —  Gonzalez missed all of last season with a compression fracture in his left knee.

Gammons: WBC a concern for pitchers  —  This week, the Cubs learned Carlos Marmol was pitching in the Dominican Republic, working feverishly to ready himself to pitch for his country in the World Baseball Classic.  —  Wonderful.  Here's a 26-year-old with dazzling talent …

Glavine may look to sign with Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Left-hander Tom Glavine's preference is to return to the Braves for the 2009 season.  But if the parties don't reach an agreement, Glavine would have interest in joining the Nationals because of his close relationship with team president Stan Kasten …

What's up with Ken Griffey Jr,?  —  So what's up with George Kenneth Griffey Jr., the man most loved and and most despised by Cincinnati Reds fans - with Adam Dunn a close second in both categories.  —  Griffey doesn't need to have anybody, “Show me the money,” and he and isn't looking …