Hal: ‘No problem’ with Yankees GM  —  Hal Steinbrenner does not think Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is insubordinate.  He does not think Cashman is trying to get fired.  He does not think Cashman is saying anything outrageous publicly.  —  What does the Yankees owner think about his general manager?

A's not giving up on outfield prospect Chris Carter  —  Many reporters were on hand to interview Chris Carter on Thursday at the A's preseason media day.  —  That shows interest remains high in the power-hitting outfielder, even as his stock appears to be low in the eyes of the A's brass.

Yankees waiting on Pettitte, one of many weighing retirement … The Yankees are said to be “frozen” while they continue to wait on Andy Pettitte's decision about whether he intends to play in 2011.  Spring training is only two weeks away, and Pettitte holds the key to the storied team's entire winter.

Mets owner Fred Wilpon happy with new GM Sandy Alderson, expects Mets to be good in 2011  —  Fred Wilpon finished up a story about how even his dogs don't want to go out in the snow anymore by declaring Thursday night, “I'm ready for spring training.”  —  But are the Mets ready, the team's longtime owner was asked?

Aardsma not expected back until mid-April  —  SEATTLE — Mariners trainer Rick Griffin confirmed Thursday that closer David Aardsma, who underwent hip labrum surgery three weeks ago, is not expected to be ready to pitch in games until at least the second week of the regular season.

Wilpons are ‘exploring’ possibility of strategic partnership  —  According to Michele Steele from Bloomberg Sports, “The Wilpons say team may add one or more “strategic partners,'” though Sterling will continue to be the primary owner of the team.  —  Here is the official press release:

Blue Jays Look Forward To Eventual Payroll Boost  —  When you think of deep-pocketed AL East teams, you think of the Yankees and Red Sox.  But the Blue Jays once had one of the biggest payrolls in the game and their president says it can happen again.  —  “With this city, with this country …

Ken Rosenthal: Part of Daniels knows trading Young is right move  —  Micheal Young (left) hit .284 with 99 runs scored and 91 RBIs in 2010.  —  Ken Rosenthal, baseball writer for Fox Sports, was interviewed on KESN-FM on Thursday and talked about the Texas Rangers and Michael Young.

Video: Brian Wilson wears sea captain costume on George Lopez  —  Not to worry, lovers of half-baked punk rawk-baseball comedy: San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson  —  appears to be in midseason form with his one-off imitation of Andy Dick.  —  Yes, the Bearded One surfaced …

Bobby Valentine is taking public service very seriously  —  We all shook our heads when Bobby Valentine was named the public safety director for Stamford, Connecticut, but the dude is committed: he was caught on film directing traffic near the I-95 on-ramp this morning.  Click through for the video.