ICON'S NEXT PACT WILL BE MOTHER OF ALL YANK FLAPS  —  CONSIDER this week, when Joe Torre revealed his inner vigilante, to be just another trial run toward the mother of all Yankee controversies.  —  Because if you think Torre blindsiding Brian Cashman or the Yanks slashing Andy Pettitte's salary …

Perez to return on Minor League deal  —  Left-hander receives spring invite, will compete for rotation spot  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals have signed left-hander Odalis Perez to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.  Perez will compete for a spot in the starting rotation.

Lisa Guerrero — Jason Giambi on Joe Torre's book: 'It's hurtful'  —  While Joe Torre continues to plug his book, “The Yankee Years,” in New York as the Dodgers winter caravan continues without him, feedback is still rolling in, this time from one of the players mentioned in the tell-all.

Bush in hot water again, Padres cut him loose  —  Matt Bush's days as a Padre are over.  —  And they ended in much the same way they began - with a controversial incident that involves the police.  —  The Padres designated Bush for assignment Thursday, just as El Cajon police were looking …

Truck Day is here!  —  Sorry Punxsutawney Phil and your six-more-weeks-of-winter prediction, but if you live in New England and are a fan of Red Sox, a sure sign of spring has arrived — Truck Day!  —  The 18-wheeler that carries the Red Sox' spring training equipment from Boston to Fort Myers …

Million Manny March only brings 10-15 Mets fans  —  Compared to last week, the smattering of Mets fans willing to brave the cold outside SNY studios in Manhattan for the second “Million Manny March” accurately reflected the team's likelihood of landing Manny Ramirez - rapidly dwindling.

Bruney fit for Yank pen  —  TAMPA - On a clear, cold day, Brian Bruney stood in the outfield grass at the Yankees' minor-league complex, playing an easy game of catch with fellow reliever Jonathan Albaladejo on Thursday.  Bruney looked trim and fit and when someone mentioned that to him, he replied, “I feel awesome.”

Bravos, The Hammer, and The Train  —  It's quite a Thursday night in Atlanta, with a couple of former Presidents and First Ladies (not to mention $17.5 million commissioner Bud Selig) celebrating Hank Aaron's 75th birthday at the downtown Marriot Marquis, and Wayne Hancock playing only a few miles away at The Earl.

Rangers to stand pat on rotation  —  Team won't look elsewhere for starter after Sheets deal falls through  —  ARLINGTON — Ben Sheets was the one free-agent pitcher who really caught the Rangers' attention.  —  He is a No. 1 starter when he is healthy, he is from Louisiana and he has a home in Dallas.

Jason Jennings signs minor-league deal with Rangers  —  On the same day that free-agent target Ben Sheets' two-year contract collapsed over an elbow injury, former Rockie Jason Jennings signed with the Rangers last night.  —  Jennings is trying to get his career back on track after two lost seasons …

25 Random Facts About 25 Random Yankees  —  There's a phenomenon going around on Facebook these days where people write a note listing 25 random facts about themselves.  With spring training still a week away, I thought we'd take a break from dissecting Joe Torre's book and offer a similar note here on Bats.

METS EYE LEFTY RELIEVER OHMAN  —  Omar Minaya confirmed this week that the Mets remain in the market for a low-priced left-handed reliever, and that reliever might turn out to be Will Ohman.  —  The Mets' GM contacted Ohman's agent on Wednesday to discuss a potential contract …

Chiefs hire Haley as head coach  —  The Chiefs hired Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley as their new head coach, a source close to the situation told The Kansas City Star.  —  Details of Haley's contract were unavailable.  It was also unclear when the Chiefs would make the announcement.

We don't know how Madoff affects Mets  —  Jeff Wilpon is absolutely right.  We don't know how much money the Mets have.  —  The real question is, how much money do the Mets have left?  —  It's impossible to know exactly what the endgame to the burgeoning Bernard Madoff investment scandal will be …

Martinez out of Caribbean Series  —  Mets' touted outfield prospect sidelined by sore left elbow  —  MEXICALI, Mexico — The Caribbean Series is over for Mets prospect Fernando Martinez.  —  The right-handed-throwing outfielder is nursing a sore right elbow and will fly to New York on Thursday night for a checkup.

Latest on Manny Derby and notes around majors (cont.)  —  In any case, the idea of a trio of good or better players replacing one all-time great (Abreu, Orlando Hudson and Wolf might cost about what Ramirez costs, discounting the fact Ramirez is a draw who'll bring in several million extra dollars) …