Manny seeks return to major leagues  —  DALLAS  —  On the same weekend Pedro Martinez announced his intention to retire, one of his most colorful and controversial teammates has decided to make a comeback.  —  Manny Ramirez, who retired in April following a second violation …

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.

Darvish needs to act ‘post’ haste  —  Japanese right-hander Yu Darvish can't wait much longer if he wants to pitch in the majors next season.  —  Darvish, 25, is likely to be posted after the winter meetings, two sources with knowledge of his situation told me on Saturday.

Damon says pinstripes would suit Ortiz  —  CAP CANA, Dominican Republic - Johnny Damon was hardly the best golfer on the course for the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic yesterday, but he was clearly the best dressed.  —  The free agent outfielder had on electric blue pants held up by a skull-and-bones belt buckle.

Reyes, ‘pen are Mets’ Meetings priorities  —  Mets on Twitter  —  Sandy Alderson's big haul last year at his first Winter Meetings as Mets general manager consisted of D.J. Carrasco, Ronny Paulino, Pedro Beato and Brad Emaus.  —  Dare it be suggested Alderson's fortunes can only improve this time?

Former NY Mets Nolan Ryan, Bud Harrelson and Ed Kranepool lobby for Gil Hodges for the Hall of Fame  —  Hodges, beloved Dodger, Met on ‘Golden Era’ Hall ballot  —  In 1969 Gil Hodges pulls a rabbit out of his hat in leading the Mets to their first World Series...

Parade of possibilities at the winter meetings  —  You can shop for the groceries anytime, anywhere, really, but there is no place like the winter meetings, which begin tomorrow in Dallas with plenty of shopping options under one roof.  —  Some winter meetings are more productive than others …

Yankees aim to trim payroll by 2014 to escape luxury penalties  —  The Yankees are not going after C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle because they do not like the costs especially in 2014.  —  To understand the Yankees' current thinking, you must understand that no team stands to lose or gain …

Bucs could use Meetings to prep for later moves  —  PITTSBURGH — Though the Pirates' offseason work is clearly not done, the organization did jump-start its plans for the 2012 season with a pair of aggressive, early moves.  —  The signings of catcher Rod Barajas and shortstop Clint Barmes leave …

Angels trade Mathis to Blue Jays for lefty Mills  —  The Angels on Saturday announced the club has acquired left-handed pitcher Brad Mills from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for catcher Jeff Mathis.  The announcement was made by general manager Jerry Dipoto.

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 …