Japanese ace likely to be on market  —  The long-awaited availability of Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish to major league clubs still is not assured.  But the prospect is more tangible than ever before.  —  Darvish, 25, is likely to be posted after the winter meetings, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

SEC targets Marlins' shady business  —  For two decades now, Major League Baseball has funded its rise from corporate slacker to gilded cash cow on the backs of taxpayers bullied into building new stadiums.  It's a marvel the government took so long to sniff out the rot that emanates from these deals …

Pedro plans to officially announce retirement  —  Right-hander last pitched in Major Leagues in 2009 campaign  —  Pedro Martinez, who put together one of the best four-year stretches as a starter in Major League history, has told MLB.com he's soon planning to officially announce his official retirement.

Report: Angels to trade Jeff Mathis to Blue Jays for Brad Mills  —  Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Angels are on the verge of trading catcher Jeff Mathis to the Blue Jays for left-hander Brad Mills.  —  The Angels acquired Chris Iannetta from the Rockies earlier this week …

Robinson Cano would welcome David Ortiz on Yankees  —  Says Big Papi could give lineup big lift  —  Robinson Cano has no qualms about the idea of longtime Red Sox rival David Ortiz joining him in the Bronx.  —  PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The two lefty-hitting sluggers embraced …

Valaika given green light to run, throw  —  CINCINNATI — Reds infielder Chris Valaika's hopes to compete for a roster spot next spring improved this weekend when he was cleared to start running and throwing by the medical staff.  —  Valaika suffered a completely torn anterior cruciate ligament …

Making the Hall of Fame case  —  Veterans Committee again examining credentials of Santo, Minoso, Tiant and 7 others  —  Cubs legend Ron Santo is honored for his 50 years in major league baseball.  (Scott Strazzante, Chicago Tribune / June 28, 2010)  —  On Baseball  —  Too many strong candidates.

Tom Ricketts: the Chicago Cubs are working on extending Crane Kenney's contract  —  Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts came out in strong support of his president of business operations Crane Kenney on Saturday, to the point that he said the team is working on a contract extension for the at times maligned executive.