Wright: “It's going to be tough to leave here”  —  Just got off the phone with Chase Wright, who had already arrived in Tampa to get his spring training started early.  Being designated for assignment put Wright into a “holding pattern,” but now he's on the move.

Jeter reiterates A-Rod has teammates' support  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees captain Derek Jeter wants to reiterate it yet again: Alex Rodriguez has the support of his teammates.  —  Rodriguez became an offseason focal point again this winter with the release of former manager Joe Torre's book, “The Yankee Years.”

Kotsay expected out at least until May after back surgery  —  With the news coming today that Mark Kotsay had back surgery on Jan. 29 to remove a displaced disc fragment, the decision by the Red Sox to sign Brad Wilkerson (pending a physical) makes more sense.

Dodgers know better than to give Manny $60M  —  Today's Quote of the Day: … Look, considering that Ramirez and Boras already have spurned a two-year deal for $45 million and a one-year deal for $25 million, we might logically assume that it will take more than $20 million per season …

Blue Jays claim Burres off waivers  —  Left-hander has starting and relieving experience with Orioles  —  TORONTO — The Blue Jays' search for inexpensive ways to improve their roster this offseason has included scouring the waiver wire for possible additions.

2009 World Series Odds  —  With pitchers and catches set to report soon to Spring Training, it's once again time to check out the updated 2009 MLB World Series odds to win.  —  Bet MLB Future Odds  —  Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com have made the New York Yankees 5/2 favorites to win the 2009 World Series.

With Costas gone, HBO may eye Buck  —  After losing Bob Costas to the MLB Network, no one at HBO Sports looked to pass the buck.  Instead HBO may be looking to acquire one - Joe Buck, that is.  —  The history of HBO Sports provides evidence its boss, Ross Greenburg, likes to hire high profile network talent.

Government's evidence against Bonds unsealed  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge on Wednesday unsealed hundreds of pages of court documents at the heart of the government's criminal case against Barry Bonds, including positive drug tests that prosecutors linked to the home run king.

Rockies acquire Murton for minor-leaguer  —  In assessing the face of his roster last week, general manager Dan O'Dowd talked about his desire to make a few final nips and tucks.  —  The cosmetic changes continued today, with the Rockies acquiring Oakland outfielder Matt Murton in exchange for minor-league speedster Corey Wimberly.

Uggla would welcome “crappy” multi-year offer from Marlins  —  Our thanks to Mike Goldstein at ESPN Radio 760 in West Palm Beach for providing the following transcript of a Wednesday afternoon interview with second baseman Dan Uggla from JJ Muggs' in Jupiter.

Yankees quietly negotiating with Bank of America  —  While the Mets have been taking the heat for their naming-rights deal for Citi Field, the Yankees have been quietly negotiating a megabucks sponsorship deal with Bank of America for the new Yankee Stadium that does not include naming rights.

USA TODAY Sports Weekly's 100 Names You Need to Know  —  USA TODAY Sports Weekly presents its 13th annual list of the 100 Names You Need to Know.  These are the next wave of players heading into the major leagues who, in our view, could make the biggest impact during the 2009 season.

Coonelly discusses present, future  —  Pirates team president visits with fans in online chat … stwoods53: I think you're doing a great job.  Do you see any trades for Jack Wilson?  —  Coonelly: Thank you very much and welcome to the chat.  I do not see a scenario at this time in which we will trade him.

Yankees should shift Jeter to CF  —  One area in which the present really shouldn't compare poorly with the past is in legend-making.  How the story gets told might be different, but we still have heroes on the diamond whose reputations transcend what they do and how well they do it.

Don't expect Sheets  —  Two weeks ago, free agent pitcher Ben Sheets and his agent, Casey Close, had dinner with the Rangers.  Rangers owner Tom Hicks was at the dinner, which suggested things were getting serious.  —  Two weeks later, Sheets remains unsigned.  —  All signs points to him not being with the Rangers in 2008.

Navarro's agent: Talks at impasse, respect matters; Rays cite “track record”  —  UPDATE, 4:15: Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman responded to the comments by Navarro's agent:  —  “Our policy is to not comment on negotiations.  Navi is an important part of our team.

Little progress on Ankiel, Ludwick  —  Cards may go to arbitration for first time since 1999  —  ST. LOUIS — A nine-year streak may come to an end this month.  —  The Cardinals have not gone to an arbitration hearing since 1999, when they won their case against left-hander Darren Oliver.