Greinke open to contract extension  —  MILWAUKEE — 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 …

Roy Oswalt must deliver right answers to join Rangers  —  The Texas Rangers have questions, and right-hander Roy Oswalt better have the right answers if he hopes to pitch for them this season.  —  But even if Oswalt aces the test, he still might not be a fit in the Rangers' rotation.

Pat Burrell Retires  —  Pat Burrell is retiring, MLBTR has learned.  We last heard from Pat the Bat in November, when the 35-year-old told the AP, “I have not decided yet, but I don't think I can play anymore [due to a chronic foot injury].  It hurts me to say that.”

Rangers sign Ron Washington to two year contract extension  —  Per Rangers' p.r. maven John Blake, the Rangers have signed Ron Washington to a two year contract extension, which runs through 2014.  —  Kind of amazing that the guy who some thought was going to be fired both early in the 2007 season …

Tigers' Martinez needs 2nd surgery, out for year … DETROIT (AP) — Victor Martinez had knee surgery and will need a second operation, another indication he is likely to miss the entire 2012 season.  —  The Detroit Tigers star had microfracture surgery Friday to repair the medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee.

Brooks Robinson recovering at home  —  BALTIMORE — Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson is resting comfortably in Florida with a shoulder injury he received in a freak fall from a stage.  —  Robinson fractured his scapula in the fall, which occurred on Friday night during a player reception …

The 2012 Fantasy Baseball Season Starts Now!  —  From superstars to Single-A prospects, Rotoworld has analyzed, projected and profiled over 1,000 players and the Draft Guide also features a wide assortment of articles covering everything from prospects, keeper-league strategy and mock drafts to sleepers …

Angels bring back Rodriguez on Minors deal  —  The Angels previously inked reliever Francisco Rodriguez (not K-Rod) to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.  Rodriguez, the Mexico native who was signed as an amateur free agent by the Angels in 2005, will make $481,000 if he makes the big league club.

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.

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

Sox pitchers will defend their hitters  —  Bench coach Parent: 'You hit our guy, we'll hit your guy'  —  Jake Peavy at Opening Day of SoxFest at the Palmer House.  (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / January 27, 2012)  —  While the White Sox hope Dayan Viciedo can provide protection …

Tampa Bay Rays still have pitching to deal after filling most holes through free agency  —  The Rays' primary goal going into the offseason was to bolster their occasionally anemic offense without diminishing their dazzling defense.  —  Additionally, they wanted to add a few experienced arms …