Torre, in Interview, Talks About Cashman and the Book  —  It was another picturesque morning in Hawaii on Sunday when Joe Torre felt the need to call Brian Cashman.  Torre had just learned that several New York newspapers, in describing Torre's new book, were implying that the former Yankees …

Mets ‘a little bit closer’ to re-signing Perez  —  With less than three weeks to go before spring training, a baseball source said Tuesday that the Mets are “a little bit closer” to re-signing lefthander Oliver Perez, but also are continuing talks with three other remaining free-agent pitchers.

Clearing spot for Pettitte, Yanks designate Wright for assignment  —  CBSSports.com wire reports  —  NEW YORK — Left-hander Chase Wright was designated for assignment Tuesday by the New York Yankees to clear a roster spot for Andy Pettitte.  —  The 25-year-old was a combined 10-3 …

Varitek deadline clarified  —  Amid confusion about the actual deadline for Jason Varitek to accept or decline the Red Sox' latest contract offer, a baseball source indicated tonight that the player was given “one week” to make a decision in a letter both he and agent Scott Boras received from the club on Friday, Jan. 23.

Pirates talking to Luis Gonzalez  —  The Pirates are talking to free-agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez, with their most recent discussion having occurred late last week.  —  Gonzalez, 41, a career .283 hitter with 354 home runs and impeccable leadership credentials, batted .261 with eight home runs …

Manuel: Mets' kitchen open for business  —  Selfless skipper says club has ingredients to contend this season  —  NEW YORK — The question certainly didn't strike Jerry Manuel as preposterous, though it did give him pause.  —  “Manny Ramirez?” he asked, as though the surname were in question.

Yanks optimistic about Posada, Rivera  —  Club hopeful catcher, closer will be ready for Opening Day  —  NEW YORK — Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera are recovering from their respective surgical procedures and, as of now, should be ready for the Opening Day roster.  —  The Yankees hope it stays that way.

Rockies sign Ubaldo to four-year deal  —  Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd was determined to lock up Ubaldo Jimenez long-term in a short window of time.  Colorado signed the right-hander to a four-year contract today, with two club option seasons in 2013 and '14.

Glavine receives a clean bill of health  —  Next up for rehabbing left-hander is coming to terms with Braves  —  ATLANTA — Having received a clean bill of health from Dr. James Andrews, Tom Glavine is now looking forward to the opportunity to gain a better understanding about the potential of prolonging his career with the Braves.

Former Sky Sox Villarreal signs with Royals, Castro joins Dodgers  —  Oscar Villarreal landed with the Rockies last summer as an intriguing addition.  A big-league veteran, he was seen as a possible reinforcement after regaining his groove in Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Dibble joins Nats broadcast team  —  Former All-Star closer will be MASN's color analyst  —  WASHINGTON — The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network named Rob Dibble as its new color analyst for Nationals games on Tuesday.  He will replace Don Sutton, who is going back to the Braves to become a play-by-play announcer.

HUB FANS BID KID ADIEU  —  Fenway Park, in Boston, is a lyric little bandbox of a ballpark.  Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg.  It was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1934, and offers, as do most Boston artifacts …

Brewers likely done adding pieces  —  With spring approaching, final spot may be filled by non-roster invitee  —  MILWAUKEE — Was free-agent infielder Craig Counsell the final piece of the Brewers' offseason puzzle?  —  Perhaps.  The Brewers may still add a starting pitcher before the start …

Friars in search of lefty bat for bench  —  Club hopes to find right match in slow moving free-agent market  —  SAN DIEGO — As he was a year ago at this time, Padres general manager Kevin Towers finds himself looking for the final piece to the roster — a veteran position player who hits from the left side.

GOODEN DENIES RADOMSKI CLAIM  —  Dwight Gooden denied accusations by steroid peddler Kirk Radomski that Radomski twice took urine tests for him in the early 1990s.  Radomski made the claim in an interview with ESPN's “Outside the Lines” and in his new book “Bases Loaded,” due out this week.