Torre Says Cashman Didn't Betray Him  —  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 manager felt betrayed by Cashman, the team's general manager.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Pirates targeting Hinske  —  According to a baseball industry source, the Pirates have their sights set on free agent outfielder Eric Hinske as the team searches for a fourth outfielder and bench option.  Discussions between the two sides have increased to the point where the Pirates …

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.

Royals Ink Villarreal To Minor League Deal  —  By Drew Silva [January 27 at 5:37pm CST]  —  According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Royals have signed right-hander Oscar Villarreal to a minor league contract.  —  The deal is worth $400K and includes an invitation to spring training.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Precedent set for McDonald to 'pen  —  Dodgers went with same strategy with Billingsley in 2007  —  LOS ANGELES — Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, in town last week to work with the young pitchers in the Winter Developmental minicamp, said one of the reasons James McDonald is being moved to the bullpen is Chad Billingsley.

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.

Navarro hearing Feb. 9  —  The Rays and C Dioner Navarro have a date in Phoenix on Feb. 9 for an arbitration hearing.  —  Navarro plans to attend the hearing, in which the Rays will defend why they offered him $2.1-million and Navarro's agent, Kendall Almerico, will defend requesting $2.5-million.