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.

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?

Yankees upset with Texas owner again … The Yankees are again upset about comments made by Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg.  This time, the Yankees believe Greenberg implied in remarks made to fans in Texas Thursday that he got one over on the storied franchise when he made his second trip …

Wilpons are ‘exploring’ possibility of strategic partnership  —  Craig Calcaterra has a thought-provoking post up at NBC's Hardball Talk, in which he figures, based on what happened with the Texas Rangers, the Wilpons are likely to get an offer they can't refuse.  —  Updated at 1:35 pm:

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?

Rays sign Casey Kotchman to minor-league deal  —  The Rays are signing 1B Casey Kotchman to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.  —  Kotchman, 28 next month, was a first-round pick out of Seminole High in 2001 (13th overall by the Angels), but has had mixed results …

After a Down Season, Jeter Retools His Swing  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Kevin Long needed a place to demonstrate Derek Jeter's retooled hitting mechanics, so the bar area of a Bonefish Grill on Thursday night just had to suffice.  Long nudged aside a coffee table, assumed the hitting position …

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.