David Wells blasts Joe Torre, says he'd ‘knock him out’  —  David Wells didn't hold back when he was asked about Joe Torre's new book, “The Yankee Years,” on The Michael Kay Show on 1050 ESPN radio Thursday afternoon - and he may not hold back if he and Torre happen to cross paths.

Sources: O's, Cubs talking deal for Hill  —  Orioles reportedly in the lead among several teams to land Chicago LHP  —  The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about the Cubs' left-handed starter Rich Hill.  According to industry sources …

Mets sign Armas, Kielty to minor league deals  —  NEW YORK — Four players coming off poor seasons agreed Thursday to minor league contracts with the New York Mets: outfielder Bobby Kielty, right-handers Tony Armas Jr. and Matt DeSalvo, and left-hander Valerio de los Santos.

Can Braves afford Abreu?  Ohman?  Glav?  —  On the eve of the opening session of the Braves' voluntary early pitching camp, it's time to assess the team's remaining priority (besides signing Will Ohman, the blog hopes) as we taxi on the runway before spring training.

Yankees reached free-agent quota  —  Unless limit raised, Bombers cannot sign any more Type As or Bs  —  The most commonly held misconception of this offseason is that the Yankees could have signed pitcher Ben Sheets or could still sign left-fielder Manny Ramirez if only there were a few …

Hinske, Pirates agree to terms  —  Outfielder Eric Hinske and the Pirates have agreed to terms on the one-year contract, as of late this afternoon.  —  Financial details are not available, but the base salary is around $1.5 million.  —  Remember, as always, that no contract is signed until a physical is passed.

Varitek, Sox in stare down  —  With only hours remaining before a team-mandated deadline, the Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek seem caught in a stare down that could produce an unhappy ending for both the player and club.  —  According to a baseball source, the deadline by which Varitek must accept …

Many ways for Series to become Super  —  Here at Rumblings and Grumblings, we know exactly what the World Series is — namely, the most historic championship extravaganza in sports.  —  We also know precisely what the Super Bowl is — namely, the most convenient sports excuse ever invented to goof off …

The path to Cooperstown: the catchers  —  For my fourth annual THT column on position players and the Hall of Fame, I'm taking an in-depth look at a group not represented on this year's BBWAA ballot and with only one post-1920 representative on the Veterans' Committee ballot (Joe Torre …

Orioles: Millar time is up  —  Talked to Kevin Millar tonight on my WBAL show and he confirmed that he has been told the Orioles definitely are going in a new direction and that he will not be coming back in a reserve role.  —  Not that it's a big surprise.

Source: Ex-teammates to testify against Bonds … Former major league catcher Bobby Estalella is expected to provide significant testimony to support the government's contention that former San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds knowingly took steroids, according to a source with knowledge of the evidence.

Thursday evening update: Ayala, Crede, Mijares  —  After breaking off their negotiations with free agent reliever Eric Gagne earlier this week, the Twins continue to explore relief options on the trade and free agent market.  —  I've heard no specifics on their trade pursuits …

Martin changes name, attitude for '09  —  All-Star honoring mother, working on new ways of preparation  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have a new catcher this year, and we're not talking about backup Brad Ausmus.  —  As the lettering on the back of his jersey will attest this spring, it's …

Jeter Owns Up to Taking Stadium Souvenir  —  Tampa, Fla. — Derek Jeter came clean Wednesday night.  He pilfered the Joe DiMaggio sign, as I suspected.  —  When I had last seen Jeter before covering the kickoff party to his celebrity golf classic for his Turn 2 Foundation at the Saddlebrook Resort …

Several rules changes adopted for 2009 World Baseball Classic  —  The Steering Committee of World Baseball Classic, Inc. met today and approved several recommendations made by the tournament's Rules and Regulations Committee.  The following provisions will be in place in the 2009 World Baseball Classic: