White Sox pull offer to Damon  —  The Chicago White Sox have pulled their offer to free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon off the table.  —  “It became clear to us in our recent negotiations that the money that we were offering was not going to be good enough for Johnny at this time,” …

Source: Cleveland Indians, first baseman Russell Branyan agree to one-year, $2 million deal  —  First baseman Russell Branyan, who hit 31 homers for the Mariners last season, has decided to sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Indians, a baseball source said Friday.

Jerry Manuel says he wants to move Jose Reyes to No. 3 spot in NY Mets lineup  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — For the second year in a row, Mets manager Jerry Manuel said in his first spring training press conference that he is considering taking Jose Reyes out of the leadoff spot.

Santana: I'm top gun in NL East  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Roy who?  Johan Santana is willing to admit the Phillies have improved since last season, but says the Mets still have the top starting pitcher in the NL East.  —  “Santana,” he said yesterday, when asked to name the best pitcher in the division.

Jamie McCourt doubles request for monthly support  —  She wants $988,845 temporary monthly support and says her estranged husband is hiding facts on assets.  Court filing details Frank McCourt's plans to turn Dodgers into sports business empire.  —  Jamie McCourt (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Swisher hopes to gain from weight loss  —  Yanks outfielder feels stronger after dropping 12 pounds  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Nick Swisher lost 12 pounds this offseason.  Which is good, because the camera supposedly adds 10.  —  The result was a thinner, leaner Swisher making a cameo this winter …

2010 Preseason Top 30 Prospects  —  So here we are again.  It seems like just last week that we were watching the Yankees parade down the Canyon of Heroes, and yet pitchers and catchers have already reported to Tampa.  I guess that's one of the many perks of having your favorite team win the World Series; a shorter offseason.

Elder statesman Pettitte up to challenge  —  Veteran returns to deliver on mound, mentor rotation mates  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The thought definitely passed through Andy Pettitte's mind, sometime during that period between waving to thousands of delighted faces on Broadway and the moment he told …

Blue Jays sign former Yankee Molina  —  Veteran likely to serve as Toronto's backup catcher  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Blue Jays signed catcher Jose Molina to a one-year contract on Friday afternoon, filling the backup catcher role.  The deal is worth $400,000 with incentives for the 2010 season …

Nationals unveil newly signed Wang  —  Injured veteran expected to return to the Majors in May  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals made it official Friday, signing right-hander Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year, $2 million contract, which includes incentives that could push it up to $3 million.

Best.  Quilt.  Ever.  Now Up for Auction  —  On Saturday, February 20, in Union, Missouri, a unique and amazing collection of baseball memorabilia will be auctioned off.  Baseball fan Clara Schmitt Rothmeier, who passed away last June, created several baseball-themed quilts …

Braves near deal for Dominican Salcedo  —  Atlanta becomes front-runner for highly-regarded shortstop  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Braves appear to be nearing a deal for highly-regarded Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo.  —  A Braves source said Friday afternoon that the club is …

Top Pitching Prospect Hopes to Leave Behind a Season of Growing Pains  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Andrew Brackman traveled around Spain last October.  He visited seaside towns along the Mediterranean coast.  He explored the cathedrals and parks of Barcelona, his new favorite city.

Escobar: ‘weakness,’ not pain  —  Kelvim Escobar said he won't pick up a baseball until he's cleared by rehab coordinator Chris Correnti, who is charged with evaluating his shoulder strength.  Still, Escobar expressed little concern about being ready for Opening Day, or about the rigors …

Leadership role new for Weaver  —  Lackey's departure leaves spot open atop Angels rotation  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — As coolly Californian as a classic Beach Boys record, Jered Weaver doesn't have it in his personality to step forward and boldly proclaim, “I'm the man.”