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 …

Rays brass thinking steps ahead  —  Deal of Garza would net formidable group of Cubs prospects  —  Other teams knew the Rays were going to trade Matt Garza.  Now, this was not akin to the Royals having to trade Zack Greinke because Greinke had let it known to the club and teams with whom …

Proposing new way to elect Hall of Famers  —  Congratulations to new Hall of Fame members Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven.  I'm sure we'll hear plenty about their road to Cooperstown over the next few months.  —  I think this is an opportune time to look at the voting system.  Let's focus on Jeff Bagwell.

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).

Donnie “Walk-off” Murphy, recovering from wrist surgery, hopes to win Florida Marlins roster spot this spring  —  Remember Donnie Murphy?  —  “Walk-off” Murphy, as he became known to Marlins fans for his clutch exploits last year, helped out this morning at teammate Logan Morrison's charity camp in Jupiter, Fla.

Athletics Acquire Guillermo Moscoso, DFA Humber  —  12:27pm: The A's designated Phil Humber for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Moscoso, according to the team.  Humber was claimed off waivers from the Royals last month.  —  11:44am: The Athletics have acquired Guillermo Moscoso …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.