Damon could still end up a Brave  —  Atlanta has made offer with hopes of snagging outfielder  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — With the White Sox pulling their initial offer for Johnny Damon's services, it's seemingly time to at least wonder if the veteran outfielder could actually end …

Joba, Hughes take first steps in competition  —  Girardi preaches that fifth-starter job won't be won first day  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The competition between friends began innocuously Friday, when Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain climbed upon adjacent mounds, firing fastballs and changeups to adjacent targets.

Taking a Paige from Rivera's book  —  More than a half-century ago, Satchel Paige offered his “Rules for Staying Young” in an article in Collier's magazine.  Mariano Rivera is 40 years old now, and as he heard those rules recited in the Yankees' clubhouse Friday, he laughed at Paige's unique list, and at Paige's wit.

Healthy Renteria determined to rebound  —  Giants shortstop played through pain last season  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Edgar Renteria admitted Friday that he felt “embarrassed” under the scrutiny of Giants fans and the organization as a result of his subpar performance last year.

Matsui, big bat arrive (reporters too)  —  DH, making splash at Angels camp, hopes to play outfield  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Frank Sinatra's ode to New York was ringing in his ears in early November, and while he has a celestial new home with the Angels now, Hideki Matsui hasn't completely left behind …

Theriot loses arbitration case vs. Cubs  —  MESA, Ariz.— Shortstop Ryan Theriot lost his arbitration hearing with the Cubs on Friday and will be paid $2.6 million in 2010.  —  Theriot filed for $3.4 million, an $800,000 difference that the Cubs felt was too high to negotiate a settlement.

Five coaches who could make a difference  —  Sometimes a team's Most Valuable Player isn't a player  —  In the big leagues, there isn't much of a difference between a September to remember followed by October glory and five months of contention disappearing as quickly as those hot August nights.

NY Mets owner Fred Wilpon says offseason was ‘torture’ for him; has no plans to sell the team … Audio: Mets owner Fred Wilpon (clip starts with Wilpon talking about reliever Ryota Igarashi)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets principal owner Fred Wilpon said Saturday that the offseason was …

Lefty speaks: Sign Josh Beckett  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  FORT MYERS - If Jon Lester [stats] were running the Red Sox [team stats], Josh Beckett [stats] would already have a contract extension.  —  But since Lester merely pitches, the best he can do is offer …

Branyan accepts Indians' deal  —  Veteran reportedly agrees to one-year, $2 million contract  —  CLEVELAND — Russell Branyan has reportedly accepted the Indians' contract proposal and could emerge as the club's primary first baseman.  —  ESPN.com reported Friday afternoon that Branyan …

Colorado's Jimenez looks good in first bullpen  —  Ubaldo Jimenez is hoping a couple of minor adjustments will allow him to go deeper into games for the Colorado Rockies.  —  Jimenez threw his first bullpen session of spring training Friday, and pitching coach Bob Apodaca was pleased with what he saw.

Note: Jose Reyes is OK with Batting 3rd  —  Earlier today, Jerry Manuel told reporters he would like to bat Jose Reyes third in the lineup, assuming all the parts fit, and Reyes is comfortable with it.  —  Later, according to SNY, Reyes told reporters: