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,” …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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)