Big gulf between Red Sox and Big Papi  —  Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that the Red Sox submitted $12.65 million as a proposed salary for David Ortiz.  The DH is seeking $16.5 million.  —  Given that Ortiz made $12.5 million last year, the offer of a 1.2 percent raise from the Sox seems a little low.

Victor Martinez Likely Out For Season With Torn ACL  —  Catcher/designated hitter Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during his off-season conditioning last week, according to the Tigers.  Surgery is anticipated, which the Tigers say would cost Martinez the 2012 season.

Rangers' revival is gaining steam  —  The Yu Darvish contract drama will end this week.  Our fascination with the Texas Rangers will not.  —  For a once-irrelevant franchise, that's an achievement to rival the consecutive pennants.  —  Darvish and the Rangers must agree on a deal by 5 p.m. ET Wednesday …

Brewers Avoid Arbitration With Francisco Rodriguez  —  The Brewers announced they've avoided arbitration with reliever Francisco Rodriguez, signing the Scott Boras client to a one-year deal.  K-Rod had accepted the team's arbitration offer rather than continue as a free agent.

Tim Lincecum asks $21.5M in arbitration  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Giants ace Tim Lincecum asked for $21.5 million in salary arbitration Tuesday and was offered $17 million by the club.  —  The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner's request neared the record amount sought in arbitration.

Erick Aybar, Angels do one-year deal  —  The Los Angeles Angels have shelved discussions about a long-term contract with Erick Aybar, at least for now, by agreeing Tuesday to a one-year deal with the Gold Glove shortstop to avoid arbitration.  —  The deal is for $5.075 million, a source told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com's Enrique Rojas.

Mets' Ike Davis working the comeback trail  —  In moments of despair last summer, Mets first baseman Ike Davis admits, he had the thought no baseball player in his mid-20s should ever have:  —  Is my career over?  —  When he was sitting alone in a hotel room in Port St. Lucie, Fla. …

An interview with Robert Creamer  —  He was born when Babe Ruth was in just his third season as a Yankee slugger.  He went to his first baseball game when John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson were still managing.  His tenure at Sports Illustrated began months before the first issue of the magazine printed in 1954.

Dodgers strike 1-year deals with Ethier, Loney  —  Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Andre Ethier and first baseman James Loney avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to terms on one-year contracts.  —  Ethier will receive $10.95 million this season and an additional $25,000 for each of 600 and 625 plate appearances.

Choo among five avoiding arbitration with Tribe  —  All-Star shortstop Cabrera, lefty reliever Perez unsigned  —  CLEVELAND — It has been more than two decades since the Indians went to an arbitration hearing.  Cleveland now sits two signatures away from maintaining that negotiation streak for another offseason.

Villanueva inks one-year deal, avoids arbitration  —  The Blue Jays have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $2,277,500 with pitcher Carlos Villanueva, thus avoiding salary arbitration with the right-hander.  —  Villanueva appeared in 33 games (13 starts) last season for the Blue Jays, posting a 6-4 record and a 4.04 ERA.

Phillies and Cole Hamels avoid arbitration with $15 million deal  —  Cole Hamels is entering his final season of arbitration eligibility and the 28-year-old left-hander will avoid a hearing by agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Phillies.  —  Hamels earned $9.5 million last season …

Report: Reds, Ludwick reach 1-year, $2.5M deal  —  Ryan Ludwick and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.  —  Ludwick  —  The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night …