SI's Verducci: New book about Yankees, not just Joe Torre … SI.com: Two New York newspapers are reporting that Joe Torre rips Alex Rodriguez and George Steinbrenner in the book, and that Brian Cashman was not as supportive of Torre returning as Yankees manager after the 2007 season as was previously believed.

Deadline for Varitek  —  WEEI.com has learned from a source close to the negotiations that the two-year offer made by the Red Sox to catcher Jason Varitek is for $5 million for the first year, along with a club option for $5 million or a $3 million player option for season No. 2 of the deal.

Casey plans to retire, join MLB Network  —  ‘The Mayor’ hit .302 in 12 seasons with five different clubs  —  Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey is officially retiring, according to a report by WEEI.com in Boston.  —  The report said Casey, nicknamed “The Mayor” for his friendly personality …

A's close to deal with Springer  —  Oakland, veteran right-hander reportedly nearing one-year contract  —  OAKLAND — Three days after A's manager Bob Geren said there could be as many as five openings in his bullpen when Spring Training starts next month, a Major League source …

Sox pitching coach Don Cooper confident in staff  —  After watching Gavin Floyd and John Danks combine for 29 victories last season despite limited experience, pitching coach Don Cooper sounded off Sunday on skeptics who are questioning the back end of the White Sox's 2009 rotation.

What Ails the Nats: Media and Bloggers  —  Say this for Stan Kasten and Jim Bowden, they give great press conference.  —  Today was NatsFest 2009, featuring something like 3,500 or 4,000 fans, autographs, authentic nachos with inauthentic Cheez, and Q&A sessions with Kasten, Bowden, George Will, Manny Acta and Phil Wood.

Waiting on the young pitchers  —  As the days dwindle until the start of spring training, the Orioles rotation is not looking any stronger.  The Orioles clearly come up a little short here and are going to need someone like Hayden Penn, Radhames Liz, David Pauley or Brian Bass to really surprise to hold this unit together.

Nats remain interested in Cordero  —  Not yet throwing off mound, recovering righty lauded by first club  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals general manager Jim Bowden revealed at NatsFest on Sunday that the team still has interest in bringing back right-handed reliever Chad Cordero.

Brother's Alleged Molestation Drags Pedroia From His Throne  —  Dustin Pedroia isn't just a hero in Boston; the small Sacramento suburb of Woodland from which Pedroia hails has fallen all over itself to make sure everyone knows this is Dustin's town.  But fame brings attention, and life typically includes embarrassing siblings.

Braves prospect Schafer denies using HGH  —  If Jordan Schafer was concerned that his reputation in baseball would forever be tarnished by last year's 50-game suspension for using human growth hormone, the cleansing process probably started Saturday.  —  Schafer, the Braves' top prospect …