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.

Torre Tries to Spin ‘A-Fraud’ Controversy  —  I didn't want to do it.  I didn't want to make another post here about Joe Torre's book.  I promise to post a fun entry soon that has nothing to do with “The Yankee Years.”  But I can't resist.  —  Understand this: Torre is not being forthright …

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.

LA chats with agents for Manny, Wolf  —  Dodgers GM resumes talks with free agents' representatives  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers resumed negotiations on Wednesday with representatives of free agents Manny Ramirez and Randy Wolf, but no agreements were reached.

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.

Report: FBI informant sparked steroid case  —  A FBI informant wore a wire while speaking with a Baltimore Orioles outfielder, helping fuel the federal government's steroid investigation that eventually led to the Mitchell report, according to federal court documents posted on The Smoking Gun.

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.

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.

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.

Sandy Koufax among Madoff clients who lost money  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, a high school baseball teammate and friend of New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon, was among the clients who lost money investing with Bernard Madoff, according to a court filing released Wednesday night.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.