Wakefield plays the waiting game  —  Area knuckleballer still hopes to pitch in big leagues this season  —  Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox reacts after earning his 200th win after a game with Toronto in September.  Jim Rogash/GettY IMAGES / Getty Images

For what they're worth, the winter standings  —  The offseason is just about over, and today we take a look at where the 30 teams rank after their moves.  We know from last year - when the Red Sox acquired Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez - that “winning” December and January doesn't mean you win when it counts.

Weeks still not at 100 percent  —  By Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel  —  Underscoring how severe the sprained left ankle that Rickie Weeks suffered late last July, the Milwaukee Brewers' second baseman still isn't classifying himself as 100 percent recovered roughly three weeks before the start of spring training.

Cards seeking match for McClellan  —  The Cardinals are actively shopping versatile righthander Kyle McClellan in order to alleviate a numbers crunch within their bullpen and to restore payroll flexibility that could be committed to a free agent starting pitcher.

Minor League Transactions: Jan. 18-25  —  You know spring training is just around the corner when veteran pitchers begin settling for minor league deals with invites to big league camp.  A bevy of veteran starters came to terms recently, including Vicente Padilla (age 34), Kevin Millwood …

Johnny Damon, Raul Ibanez, Rick Ankiel and Kosuke Fukudome on Mets' wish list  —  Amazin's in search of a lefty bat to come off the bench  —  Traded from the Cubs to the Indians in 2011, Kosuke Fukudome bats .249 with five homers and 22 RBI in 59 games with the Tribe.

Greinke open to extension talks  —  Brewers ace Zack Greinke said he is still operating without an agent, but that does not necessarily scuttle the chances of a contract extension.  —  Greinke is entering his second season with the team and the final season of the four-year, $38 million extension he signed in January 2009.

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson injured in fall, misses charity baseball game  —  Just got back from Fort Lauderdale Stadium, where I had hoped to catch up with Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson for his thoughts on how Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez might handle a move to third base this season.

Who's next in line for a big Rockies payout?  —  The refrain is consistent, if not relentless.  The Rockies never spend money.  Clearly, they don't dole out enough on payroll to satisfy most fans, understandable given the support this city and region have shown this team.  —  But the Rockies do spend money.

Diamondbacks' Montero: Headed to hearing?  —  Arbitration season is upon us, and the first player on the docket, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero, appears headed to a hearing, according to major-league sources.  —  Montero, 28, asked for $6.8 million, a figure that would more than double his 2011 salary of $3.2 million.

At crossroads or not, Beckham has positive attitude  —  After two dismal seasons, Sox 2nd baseman believes he must return to his hitting strengths  —  Throwing baseballs out to fans at SoxFest: John Danks, Paul Konerko, Gordon Beckham, Matt thornton and Brent Lillibridge.  (Phil Velasquez / Tribune Photo)

Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert eliminated from Dodgers' bidding race  —  At least eight bidders reach the next round, including groups of Magic Johnson/Stan Kasten and Rick Caruso/Joe Torre.  —  Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at officials during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves …