Teams no longer are in any mood for an argument  —  The fact that Jacoby Ellsbury got a massive raise after playing in just 18 games and contributing nothing to the 2010 season seems like blasphemy to some, but under the arbitration system, his career numbers for a player with his service …

Trade in one word: Cash  —  I did word clouds for Angels fans' reactions to the Vernon Wells trade at Halos Heaven and Jays fans' reactions at Bluebird Banter.  I don't think I'll need to tell you which is which.  (Click on them for a larger view.)  —  My favorite word from the Jays' chart: Jedi-Like.

My dinner date with Joey Votto  —  He cleans up good.  —  Yup, I went to the BBWAA awards dinner in NYC tonight.  I decided to go at the last minute.  I was scairt of the snow.  If there's anything worse than wading through 4' high snowdrifts, it's wading through 4' high snowdrifts while wearing an evening gown and high heels.

Astros end talks with free-agent slugger Jorge Cantú  —  CHANNELVIEW, Texas — Free-agent slugger Jorge Cantú made it known Saturday while attending the Michael Gill Benefit Ragball Tournament in Channelview, Texas, that ongoing conversations with the Houston Astros regarding …

BEANE BALL  —  In contrast to Cashman's mostly empty winter, his buddy, Beane, has had the busiest offseason of any GM.  Despite the usual financial constraints, Beane invested $22.85 million in free agents Hideki Matsui, Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes and added another $12 million …

Yankees GM Brian Cashman might want to leave Bombers and finally have a chance to be his own Boss  —  Lot of questions swirling around regarding Brian Cashman and his “Don't look at me” declaration at the Rafael Soriano soiree last Wednesday - not the least of which was …

Terry Collins Aiming to Eliminate Questions … Terry Collins, as quoted by Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News  —  According to Harrington, Collins says he named Mike Pelfrey the opening day starter and Jose Reyes the team's leadoff man in order to eliminate questions about what their roles would be.

Will Rockies capitalize on their April schedule?  —  While making the playoffs two of the past four years, the Colorado Rockies have shown they can come from behind, make up ground and finish with a rush.  But what if they broke fast and instead of muddling through April actually played well?

Nolan Ryan predicts 90-95 wins  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan predicted 90 to 95 wins for his 2011 ballclub.  —  Ryan shared his thoughts on the team with a large group of fans at the Rangers' Fan Fest on Saturday at Arlington Convention Center.

Giants and Torres Make a Deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco Giants have their roster ready for the start of spring training next month.  —  Center fielder Andres Torres and the World Series champions agreed to terms Saturday on a $2.2 million, one-year contract to avoid arbitration.

Rockies' Hammel signs two-year $7.75 million deal  —  Jason Hammel, happy and healthy during the team's commercial filming Friday, received further piece of mind today, signing a two-year, $7.75-million contract.  Because he was a Super Two in terms of service time, Hammel will have one arbitration season remaining in 2013.

Billy Butler Agrees To Extension With Royals  —  SUNDAY, 9:31am: Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star has the financial details of the deal (Twitter link).  Butler will earn $3MM in 2011, and $8MM per year from 2012 to 2014.  The contract also includes a $2MM signing bonus and a $12.5MM club option for 2015, with a $1MM buyout.