Abreu, others, might soon swallow pride  —  As recently as a week ago, the asking price on Bobby Abreu was said to be locked in place, a three-year deal for something in the neighborhood of $16 million a year.  But those numbers were based on appraisals made before the motor companies got a bailout …

Source: Cubs to acquire Heilman  —  The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Aaron Heilman from the Seattle Mariners for infielder Ronny Cedeno and pitcher Garrett Olson, a baseball source told ESPN.com.  —  Heilman and Olson have already been involved in trades this offseason.

Torre on Jeter, A-Rod, Beltrán, Pavano, Brown and More  —  I am not a speed reader, like my colleague Jack Curry, so there is no way I can quickly finish my copy of “The Yankee Years.”  But just from scanning it for a couple of hours, it is filled with extraordinary tidbits and rich detail.

Mets still interested in bringing Pedro back in '09 … SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya says the club is interested in signing pitcher Pedro Martinez to a new contract.  —  The Mets' four-year, $53 million deal with Martinez expired after last season.

Dodgers have even clearer path to sign Wolf  —  The pitching dominos might be starting to fall.  So is Randy Wolf next?  Our Ken Rosenthal went straight to the source for answers.

Brewers, Sheets no closer to reunion  —  GM Melvin reached out after Red Sox signed Penny, Smoltz  —  MILWAUKEE — At every winter stop, a Brewers fan would ask general manager Doug Melvin the same question, and it was usually the first one asked.  —  Is there any chance the Brewers will look at re-signing Ben Sheets?

Orioles in talks with Looper  —  Free-agent pitcher Braden Looper would fill rotation hole for Orioles  —  Still seeking an innings-eater for the middle of their rotation, the Orioles continue to have talks with the representative of free-agent pitcher Braden Looper, according to industry sources.

Benoit may be lost for season  —  Rangers righty has surgery to repair torn rotator cuff  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers, still over two weeks away from Spring Training, have suffered another major setback in their pitching staff.  —  Right-hander Joaquin Benoit underwent surgery on Tuesday …

David Weathers signs with Reds  —  The Reds avoided arbitration with David Weathers by signing the bulldog reliever to a one-year contract with an option worth $3.9 million, the Post has learned.  —  Weathers will make $3.5 million this year with a club option for 2010 worth $3.7 million or a $400,000 buyout.

Glavine, Wren discuss 2009 season  —  Braves' need for an outfielder a factor in ability to ink lefty  —  ATLANTA — Tom Glavine understands the Braves might not have the funds to satisfy his financial desire.  But the veteran left-hander still remains hopeful he'll have the opportunity to pitch at least one more season in Atlanta.

Bowa: Dodgers need Manny  —  At least one person is ready to admit his team needs Manny Ramirez.  Dodgers third-base coach Larry Bowa is adamant that his team should bring back Ramirez, who is a free agent.  —  “I'm going to tell you something right now, if Manny Ramirez doesn't sign with us, we're in deep trouble.

Summing Up Joba and Jon  —  Joba Chamberlain and Jon Lester participated in a Q&A at Sacred Heart University Tuesday night.  For the most part, the questions to them were softballs, but the two still managed to show their humor and provide some insights into their lives.