Toughest call of his career is on Varitek's plate  —  Jason Varitek is trying to make a very tough decision.  —  “He's deliberating what he wants to do,” said his agent, Scott Boras.  —  And that deliberation has to include the very difficult reality of possible retirement.

If Frank McCourt's L.A. Dodgers go for $2 billion, Fred Wilpon's NY Mets could be worth more  —  Franchise values in baseball are about to take a quantum leap  —  Frank McCourt seen here in happier times as the L.A. Dodgers introduce Joe Torre as skipper in 2007.

Cora nearing Minors deal with Cardinals  —  Veteran infielder Alex Cora is close to agreeing on a Minor League deal with the Cardinals, according to an industry source.  —  The Cardinals did not confirm the report.  —  Cora, 36, saw action at first base, second base …

Could Red Sox, Reds or Phillies land Oswalt?  —  Roy Oswalt is without a contract two weeks before the start of spring workouts.  —  And he is scrambling.  —  Oswalt is known to prefer a team close to his Mississippi home, but his top choices - the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals …

Wife of Yankees GM files for divorce after latest cheating allegations  —  She's cashing out.  —  The wife of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman filed for divorce yesterday — a day after her husband was publicly accused of a second affair, this time with a woman who has been charged with shaking him down, The Post has learned.

MLBTR: Mets won with Santana trade, lost with contract  —  Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors recently tweeted the following: … David Lennon of Newsday later pointed out that the Mets have paid $3.44 million for each of Johan Santana's wins to date.

Nats' Rizzo: Bryce can make team; others unsure  —  Nationals manager Davey Johnson has been telling anyone who'll listen he wants slugging teen-aged phenom Bryce Harper to start the season with the big-league team.  And while most folks around baseball think that's a reach …

Nelson looking to seize opportunity this season  —  DENVER — Rockies manager Jim Tracy said this winter he was tired of the heartbreaking conversations he kept having with infielder Chris Nelson informing him that he was being sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs.  But think of how Nelson felt each of the three times it happened.

Cecil Fielder chides his son Prince at Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame induction  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Seeing son Prince pull on the Olde English D he once wore proudly in Detroit only brought Cecil Fielder back so far.  —  Dismissing talk of an “improving” relationship with his son …