GM: No ‘clear role’ for Johnny Damon  —  As intriguing as it may sound, the chances of a Johnny Damon return to the Bronx appear unlikely.  —  New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman on Thursday downplayed a report that he was talking with Damon and his agent, Scott Boras …

Rockies acquire Lindstrom from Astros  —  The Rockies filled a key spot in their bullpen by acquiring right-hander Matt Lindstrom from the Astros.  Full details will come soon.  —  Lindstrom, who turns 31 on Feb. 11, went 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA for the Astros last season.

Gonzalez negotiations won't factor in Pujols  —  Prior to officially acquiring slugger Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres, the Red Sox were assured by the slugger that the contract terms he desired on an extension would not change in the event that an Albert Pujols mega-deal raises the market, ESPNBoston.com reported on Thursday.

Ken Davidoff's baseball insider  —  My 2011 Hall of Fame ballot  —  Yup, it's that time of year again.  Here's my ballot from last year and my 2009 ballot.  This marks my fifth ballot in all.  —  This year, I found myself facing a new dilemma: Too many good candidates for the 10 spots available on the ballot.

Nationals reach two-year deal with Sean Burnett  —  The Nationals have reached an agreement with reliever Sean Burnett on a contract extension that will keep the left-handed reliever with the Nationals through the 2012 season with a dual option for 2013, according to a league source.

Ex-New York Yankees pitching coach was ‘shocked’ by firing  —  Former New York Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland, now a member of divisional rival Tampa Bay, said he was blindsided by the axe that fell on him a few days after the team was knocked out of the American League Championship Series by the Texas Rangers.

Bronx?  Cooperstown?  Pettitte Is a Man of Many Questions  —  If Andy Pettitte has indeed thrown his last pitch, he will retire with more victories than Whitey Ford, a better winning percentage than Bob Feller, Juan Marichal and Tom Seaver, and the most postseason wins in baseball history.

Watergate Special Prosecutor Wanted Steinbrenner Investigated  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox expressed “extreme interest” in a 1970s criminal investigation of the Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner for illegal campaign contributions, according to documents released Thursday.

Blanton could be hot item in thin market  —  Phils would like to unload salary, and many teams eye pitching  —  PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies have little to do after signing Cliff Lee to a $120 million contract last week.  —  But there is one significant move remaining.

Reports: Rangers, Arthur Rhodes agree  —  Left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes agreed to a one-year deal with the Rangers with a vesting option for a second season, according to multiple reports.  —  A Rangers spokesman said the club had nothing to report.  Rhodes would have to pass a physical for the deal to become official.

Opinion: The Man Who Saved Baseball  —  Cliff Lee is more than just the modern-day Sandy Koufax.  At least to Philadelphia Jews, he is.  —  Let me explain.  Sure, Mr. Lee may be a good 'ole Arkansas boy who enjoys a hunting expedition and has the (non-Jewish) good looks of a young John Wayne.