Cano's agent wants contract redone; Yankees GM hasn't returned call  —  ST. LOUIS — Robinson Cano's effort to get his two club contract options deleted and a new deal hasn't penetrated the wax in the Yankees' ears.  —  Nevertheless, the team is more open to signing left-handed ace CC Sabathia …

Lovullo, McEwing not high on Sox's list  —  As the Boston Red Sox's manager search begins in earnest, we do not yet have a clear picture of who is on the team's short list to take Terry Francona's place.  We are starting to learn, however, which candidates are unlikely to be among the finalists.

Notebook: Pujols defends hit-and-run play  —  First baseman Albert Pujols reiterated his belief Wednesday that the abortive hit-and-run he ordered during the seventh inning of Monday's Game 3 was a sound idea and in keeping with the understanding he shares with manager Tony La Russa.

Dodgers: Bryan Stow shares blame  —  The attorney for embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt filed a civil complaint against the two men charged in the Opening Day beating of San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, arguing that they should be held liable for the attack …

Game 6: Young's Double Puts Rangers Ahead 4-3  —  Boy, the Cardinals are really making a mess for themselves on defense.  Not sure if they're tight, cold, rusty or what.  —  Third baseman David Freese dropped Josh Hamilton's leadoff popup in the fifth for St. Louis' third error …

New player in Yanks RF derby: Beltran  —  Not long ago, it was considered a slam-dunk that the Yankees would pick up Nick Swisher's $10.25 million option for 2012, despite another miserable postseason performance.  —  Now, it's not so clear.  —  The reason?

Alvaro Aristy Faked Age, Identity For $1 Million Bonus  —  Scandal one of biggest known fraud cases since Esmailyn Gonzalez  —  Alvaro Aristy signed with the Padres three years ago for $1 million.  Neither his name, his age nor his talent has proven to be legitimate.

Byrnes back in his coveted role as GM  —  SAN DIEGO — At no point during Josh Byrnes' indoctrination to baseball operations did he ever question what he was doing; not when faced with the long hours of an intern, not when buried beneath the heap of responsibility, not when the pittance of a paycheck …

Draft/Int'l Spending Cap Discussed In CBA Talks  —  A hard slotting system for the amateur draft is no longer the main issue holding up a new collective bargaining agreement, a source tells Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (Twitter link).  Still being discussed, however …