Chicago paper strikes out  —  It was big news in Chicago that the Cubs had worked a deal to acquire Matt Garza from the Rays.  But the Chicago Sun-Times had a bigger surprise for its readers this morning with this back page photo - of former Ray Joaquin Benoit (who recently signed with the Tigers).

Joe Torre, former Yankees manager, may replace Mets' Sandy Alderson as Bud Selig's VP in MLB office  —  Joe Torre, the former manager who led the Yankees to four World Series titles and six American League pennants, is in talks with baseball commissioner Bud Selig about joining MLB …

Clemens reason for Pettitte's pause?  —  Yankees lefty still waffling about next season as The Rocket's perjury trial looms  —  Nearly four years after he cashed his last Yankees paycheck, $18 million for a half-season's work and a 6-6 record, it is possible that Roger Clemens is still exacting a heavy price from the team.

Delgado getting in hip-shape  —  AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico — Carlos Delgado looks like the king of the world.  —  Just as he looked after hitting a second-deck homer at the Rogers Centre, crossing home plate and removing his helmet to show a shaved noggin while Blue Jays fans stood and cheered.

Ex-Yankees pitcher Ryne Duren dies  —  LAKE WALES, Fla. — Ryne Duren, an All-Star pitcher known for a 100 mph fastball, occasional wildness and Coke-bottle glasses that created a most intimidating presence on the mound, has died at his winter home in Florida.  He was 81.

Washington Nationals bet better defense will pad their win total in 2011  —  Pitchers and catchers report five weeks from Monday.  Nationals, don't forget your gloves.  —  Baseball is about to see the equivalent of a laboratory study of the value of defense.

Nets try to involve Pistons in three-team trade for Carmelo Anthony  —  The Nets continue to pursue Carmelo Anthony from the Nuggets.  —  In the complicated scenario that's being discussed, the Nets would send Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and at least two first-round picks to Denver and Troy Murphy's expiring contract to the Pistons.

Baker: No quarterback controversy at short  —  Dusty Baker is glad to have Edgar Renteria on his roster.  (The Reds still have not made the signing official.)  —  “It gives us a clutch man, a winner,” he said.  —  WHAT DO YOU THINK?  —  Vovici Online Survey Software

Cashman: “I will not lose our No. 1 draft pick”  —  Essentially taking himself out of the running for Rafael Soriano, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said this afternoon that he absolutely will not make a move that costs the Yankees their top draft pick.  —  “I will not lose our No. 1 draft pick,” Cashman said.

Rockies owners buy Ghosts  —  The Colorado Rockies organization has enjoyed success on and off the field in recent years, with the Rockies earning playoff berths two of the past four years — including their first World Series appearance in 2007 — and finishing among the Top 10 in Major League Baseball attendance this past season.