Brian Cashman: Jesus Montero is “better, defensively, than some catchers in the big leagues right now”  —  Last season, at the upper levels of Scranton and Trenton, the mid-levels at Tampa and Charleston, and the lower levels at Staten Island and the Gulf Coast and Dominican Summer Leagues …

Reds.  Volquez close to a deal  —  A couple of things from today's caravan stop at Great American:  —Walt Jocketty said he expects to have a one-year deal wrapped up with Edinson Volquez this weekend.  The Reds tried to get a multiyear deal done but Volquez wanted a one-year.

Mets will host 2013 All-Star Game … The Mets will host the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, people with knowledge of the situation told SI.com.  —  While the decision isn't being characterized as “official,” plans are already in the works.  —  The team has not hosted the All-Star Game since 1964 …

Glaus not retired, but out for '11  —  Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since August 2005.  He appears weekly on MLB on FOX.  Follow him on Twitter.  —  Free agent infielder Troy Glaus is not officially retiring.  But he will sit out the start …

Albert Pujols will veto any trade proposal from the St. Louis Cardinals, sources say  —  Other teams have asked the Cardinals about Albert Pujols in the past to let St. Louis know if it ever thought about dealing the perennial MVP candidate, the inquiring team's interest was established.

Hill signs Minor League deal  —  The Marlins have added some big league experienced starting pitching depth to their Spring Training roster.  —  Right-hander Shawn Hill, who made four starts with the Blue Jays, has signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Buzz: Mets Have Offer Out to Rodrigo Lopez  —  According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, RHP Rodrigo Lopez is weighing offers from the Mets, Braves and Rockies, and is expected to make a decision by the end of the weekend.  —  Stark believes each team as made a “non-roster” offer to the 35 year old Lopez …

Rangers, Mike Napoli avoid arbitration  —  The Texas Rangers and catcher-first baseman Mike Napoli agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $5.8 million, avoiding an arbitration hearing.  —  Napoli was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in return for reliever Frank Francisco and cash.

Santo replacement expected before spring training  —  Moreland, Otto reportedly two finalists  —  Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training soon, followed by position players and, yes, broadcasters.  —  Veteran Cubs radio play-by-play man Pat Hughes is waiting to learn …

Long Island liquor king Martin Silver wants a meeting with Wilpons; wants minority share of Mets  —  A Long Island liquor mogul wants a meeting with Fred and Jeff Wilpon to discuss buying a piece of their struggling franchise.  —  Martin Silver said he's ready to throw money at the Wilpons …

Blue Jays avoid arbitration with Frasor  —  The Blue Jays announced Friday night that they have reached an agreement with reliever Jason Frasor that could keep him in the fold for the next two seasons.  —  Frasor, who became the team's longest-tenured player with last week's blockbuster trade …

Bucs Dugout Talks To Frank Coonelly, Neal Huntington, Paul Maholm  —  More photos » Gene J. Puskar - AP  —  10 months ago: Pittsburgh Pirates president Frank Coonelly attends a spring training baseball game between the Pirates and the Houston Astros in Bradenton, Fla., Monday, March 29, 2010.