Manny Ramirez: I'll be a role model … Early last season, Manny Ramirez abruptly retired from baseball after a second violation of baseball's performance-enhancing drug rules, choosing to walk away from the game rather than serve a 100-game suspension.  —  Now, Ramirez wants to land a tryout …

Nationals still pursuing Prince Fielder, met today with agent Scott Boras  —  Despite a report on the team's official Web site today playing down the Nationals' chances at signing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, a person familiar with the situation said the Nationals are …

Twins Sign Venezuelan Righthander Mauricio Silva  —  The Twins have signed 16-year-old Venezuelan righthander Mauricio Silva for $370,000.  —  Silva is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and was considered one of the more promising Latin American pitching prospects among players who became eligible to sign on July 2 …

Vogelsong, Giants agree to 2-year, $8.3M deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Vogelsong and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $8.3 million after he became one of the team's most reliable starters and an unlikely All-Star last season.

West teams young and powerful on mound  —  Stockpiles of pitching exist from top to bottom in both divisions  —  If the most sincere form of flattery is immitation, franchises out West are falling all over themselves in praise of San Francisco's Giants.  —  All across the nine-team landscape …

Hopeful Mets see Johan's tank as half-full  —  Left-hander sets sights on healthy return in Spring Training  —  NEW YORK — Relinquishing his air-conditioned quarters in favor of a sweltering September afternoon, Mets manager Terry Collins trudged down to Sun Life Stadium's visitors' bullpen in Miami, eager for the spectacle to begin.

Madson's Reds contract awaiting physical  —  CINCINNATI — A formalized contract between the Reds and prospective new closer Ryan Madson might take several days to complete.  —  A source told MLB.com on Wednesday that Madson will get a one-year guaranteed contract that pays him $6 million …

Steinbrenner meets with Boras about Jackson  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees are continuing to search for starting pitching, a pursuit that has led them into discussions about free agent right-hander Edwin Jackson.  —  CBSSports.com was the first to report on Wednesday that Yankees managing …

Selig's contract extension approved by owners  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — A two-year contract extension for Commissioner Bud Selig was approved on Wednesday by Major League Baseball's executive council, setting up Thursday's confirmation vote by the full ownership.

Maddon contract talks progressing  —  There has been progress in the talks between the Rays and manager Joe Maddon on a contract extension.  —  Maddon's current contract expires as the end of this coming season.  Both sides have expressed strong public interest in continuing the successful relationship.

Leukemia Free  —  As far as I know, this news doesn't affect the Mariners chances of signing Prince Fielder, so I apologize in advance for the lack of update on that front.  —  I do, however, have some news to share.  I underwent a bone marrow biopsy yesterday morning - my third one, in fact.

Johnny Damon: “It's an unhappy day”  —  Johnny Damon greatly enjoyed his experience playing for the Rays last season and was very much hoping to come back.  —  But when the Rays struck a deal Wednesday to bring in Luke Scott as their primary DH, it meant Damon wasn't going to get to return, and that didn't go over well.