Brian Cashman explains himself to Derek Jeter's agent Casey Close, tends bar at Foley's New York  —  One day later, Brian Cashman downplayed the Derek Jeter-to-the-outfield comments he made on Tuesday, calling the subsequent media frenzy “a little silly,” but apparently they were newsworthy enough to get the attention of Jeter's agent.

2011 MLB organizational rankings  —  The Royals top the rankings, but Tampa is surprisingly close behind  —  As it has the past two years, this complements my annual Top 100 list of prospects.  This ranking includes only players who are still eligible for the Top 100 prospects ranking …

Source: “very strong possibility” that Andy Pettitte pitches in 2011  —  A source close to Andy Pettitte tells me that there is a “very strong possibility” that Pettitte is going to pitch in 2011.  He is doing his usual preseason workouts and has had no physical issues thus far.

Rockies sign Amezaga, Moeller to Minors deals  —  DENVER — Utility man Alfredo Amezaga, who was briefly with Colorado before making a Major League impact elsewhere, has re-joined the Rockies on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, the club announced Wednesday.

Ruling: Money manager cheated Mo Vaughn  —  An Ohio arbitrator has awarded former major-league baseball player Mo Vaughn $3.5 million in a dispute with his former money manager.  —  The arbitrator ruled that RKM Business Services, owned and operated by Ra Shonda Kay Marshall …

Yankees Sign Bartolo Colon  —  Nine years ago, Bartolo Colon was a stud pitcher on his way to a 20-win season.  As talk of relocation continued, the Montreal Expos went all in, shipping prospects Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips and Grady Sizemore to Cleveland for Colon.

Final breakdown of Reds Caravan  —  Here is the itinerary for the 2011 Reds Caravan, presented by CincinnatiUSA.com.  —  Western Leg  —  Entire leg: Marty Brennaman, Brandon Phillips, assistant general manager Bob Miller and Reds' minor league player of the year Devin Mesoraco.

Is Michael Young the next piece of Jays' puzzle?  —  Could it happen?  Michael Young playing third base for the Blue Jays on opening day 2011 and Jose Bautista moving back to his preferred position of right field?  —  That scenario, if followed, could lead to the home-run king beginning serious negotiations …

Angels, Jered Weaver begin talks  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Los Angeles Angels have opened discussions about a long-term contract extension for ace right-hander Jered Weaver, owner Arte Moreno said Wednesday.  —  Weaver, 28, would be a free agent following the 2012 season.

Rangers CEO: We helped Phillies get Cliff Lee  —  CLEARING MY HEAD, cluttering yours . . .  Next time you're venting about how much you hate Dallas, or Texas, or Dallas, Texas, you might want to reconsider.  —  Because Cliff Lee might be a Yankee without the help of some people down there.

Inbox: Washington-Cleveland deal coming?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nats fans' questions  —  There is a report that the Nationals expressed interest in Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore and pitcher Fausto Carmona.  Is there any truth to the report?  And are the two clubs close to a deal?

Three Out of Three Doctors Agree  —  The writer Murray Chass, in his January 23 blog entry, re-visited his oft-cited idea that he knows Mike Piazza took steroids, since he saw “back acne” on Piazza while interviewing him in the New York Mets' clubhouse during the 2003 and 2004 seasons.  Chass wrote:

Hank: Yankees ‘just have to (bleeping) win’  —  “I think A.J. [Burnett] is going to come back and have at least the kind of year like he had two years ago.  CC Sabathia is going to be great as usual.  Phil Hughes, we're expecting more big things.  —  “I say we have one of the top four teams in baseball …

Angels' Trout named MLB.com's top prospect  —  Speedy outfielder heads list of top 50 up-and-coming players  —  ANAHEIM — An exceptional athlete with the frame and speed of a free safety and the full-tilt attitude of a young Pete Rose, outfielder Mike Trout now stands alone as the biggest fish …