Source: Red Sox likely out on pitcher Jackson  —  The Boston Red Sox have made an offer but are “most likely out of the picture” for Edwin Jackson, the top starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, because there are better deals on the table from other clubs, according to a baseball source.

Yankees' Mark Teixeira is set to lay it down this year like never before  —  Switch-hittter batted a careeer-worst .224 from left side in 2011  —  At the Munson awards (l. to r.)  Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey, Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira, Diana Munson, former NBA center Dikembe Mutombo …

NY Mets, Daniel Murphy will embrace underdog role next season after losing Jose Reyes to Miami Marlins and cutting payroll by $50 million  —  Murphy puts in OT during offseason after having injuries last two seasons  —  Daniel Murphy, who is coming off an injury last season …

Report: Sox sign ex-Rays 1B Johnson to minor league deal  —  The Chicago White Sox apparently have secured the services of a player who handed them one of their worst losses in 2011.  —  According to a tweet by longtime St. Petersburg Times beat writer Marc Topkin, the Sox have signed left-handed hitting …

Chipper Jones upbeat about 18th season with Braves  —  One year has made a big difference in Chipper Jones' outlook.  —  Jones is feeling optimistic about his health as he moves closer to his 18th season with the Braves.  Despite two knee surgeries in the last two years …

Astros invite Livan to Spring Training  —  HOUSTON — The Astros added more pitching depth Tuesday by reaching an agreement on a Minor League contract with right-hander Livan Hernandez, a veteran of 16 Major League seasons.  The deal includes an invitation to Spring Training.

Baseball: Matsuzaka throws 1st bullpen session since injury  —  FORT MYERS, Florida (Kyodo) — Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on Monday threw his first bullpen session since undergoing season-ending elbow surgery last June.  —  In the team's spring training complex in Florida …

Van Slyke getting with the program  —  LOS ANGELES — When Scott Van Slyke put together a 2011 season at Double-A worthy of being named the Dodgers Minor League Position Player of the Year after seven years as a professional, some figured it was about time.  —  The nice way to put it is to call Van Slyke, 25, a late bloomer.

Indians Acquire Russ Canzler  —  The Indians announced that they acquired Russ Canzler from the Rays for cash considerations.  The Rays had designated the 25-year-old for assignment on Friday.  —  Canzler made his MLB debut in 2011, appearing in three games with the Rays as a September callup.