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.

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.”

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 …

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

Red Sox contract info  —  Here are some details for some of the contracts of recently signed Red Sox players.  —  Of Matt Albers' $1,075,000 contract, $650,000 is guaranteed.  —  Andrew Bailey gets a $50,000 bonus for 50 games finished and 55 games finished, plus $25,000 for All-Star appearance …

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.

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 …

Still Too Early 2012 MLB Standings Projection  —  Instead of running these with CAIRO this time I used Marcel, mainly out of curiosity in seeing what an unbiased projection that was not created to make the Yankees look better than they are would say.  —  It says this.  —  Div  —  Team  —  W

Braden progresses to throwing from mound  —  OAKLAND — Leave it to A's lefty Dallas Braden to shake up the holiday calendar.  —  “Tomorrow's Christmas for me,” Braden said Sunday.  “Get to bed early, leave cookies and milk out on the table, see what happens.”