Brewers trade Hardy for Gomez  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  As it turns out, the Brewers will not be trading shortstop J.J. Hardy for pitching help after all.  Instead, the Brewers used Hardy today to address their centerfield position, trading him to the Minnesota Twins …

Phillies pick up option to keep Lee  —  No decision on Feliz's option; coaching staff retained  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies announced their first big move of the offseason on Friday when they picked up left-hander Cliff Lee's $8 million club option.  —  It was no surprise.

Dodgers: Manny Ramirez to return in 2010  —  Manny Ramirez will return to the Dodgers next season, according to his agent, Scott Boras.  —  Boras said that he informed General Manager Ned Colletti today that Ramirez would not exercise the escape clause in the two-year, $45-million contract he signed in the spring.

Myers will not return to Phillies  —  Brett Myers was told today that his Phillies career is over, the Inquirer's Jim Salisbury reports.  —  “I officially won't be a Phillie next year,” the 29-year-old pitcher told The Inquirer this afternoon.  —  In a meeting with general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. …

Girardi likely to up ante with uniform switch  —  Joe Girardi is going to wear a big goal on his back next season and dares every team in baseball to deny the Yankees reaching it.  —  That's the same back people were plunging knives into a year ago for his lack of communication and as recently …

Tigers part ways with Treanor, Thames  —  Pair likely to become free agents after removal from roster  —  DETROIT — Marcus Thames' Tigers tenure is likely over.  The team removed him from the 40-man roster Friday, the first step towards making the slugging outfielder a free agent.

Chicago White Sox buy out final year of Jermaine Dye's contract  —  The Chicago White Sox and 2005 World Series MVP Jermaine Dye have parted ways.  —  On Thursday, Jermaine Dye informed the White Sox that he was accepting his 2010 one-year option for $12 million.

Angels' GM Tony Reagins given contract extension  —  ANAHEIM, CA - The 2009 A.L. West Division champion Angels announced Friday that General Manager Tony Reagins has received a long-term contract extension.  Reagins became the 10th General Manager in Club history when he signed an initial three-year contract on October 16, 2007.

Lincecum pot charge dropped by DA in standard deal, which awaits judge's approval  —  Prosecutors in Clark County, Wash., and Tim Lincecum have reached an agreement in which the pitcher will pay a $250 fine relating to his possession of a marijuana pipe with the drug possession charge being dropped.

Rivera kept injury quiet during Series  —  Yankees closer hurt rib cage against Angels during ALCS  —  NEW YORK — There was no perceptible wincing when Mariano Rivera threw the final pitch of the World Series on Wednesday, inducing Shane Victorino to hit an easy ground ball that secured the Yankees' 27th championship.

Rockies decline options on Torrealba, Embree  —  DENVER — What was suspected for weeks became a reality Friday.  The Rockies declined the $4 million option on Yorvit Torrealba's contract, making him a free agent.  They also exercised a buyout with reliever Alan Embree.

New York Mets Top 10 Prospects  —  New York Mets … After being eliminated from the playoffs on the final day of the regular season in 2007 and 2008, the Mets continued to generate drama in 2009—though this time it was primarily off the field.  New York christened Citi Field by going 70-92 …

Kearns tenure with Nats is likely over  —  WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals have declined their $10 million option on outfielder Austin Kearns and are paying a $1 million buyout, presumably ending his disappointing tenure with the team.  —  The 29-year-old Kearns hit only .195 …