Jason Giambi announces retirement, thanks family and baseball friends  —  The former Yankee told the Daily News Monday that he is retiring after a 20-year major-league career.  Here's Giambi's statement in his own words. … “After 20 seasons, I have decided to officially announce my retirement as a Major League Baseball player.

Ranking Major League Baseball's managers entering 2015 season  —  For the past few years leading into spring training we've attempted managerial rankings.  They are based on my opinions and the opinions of the many people around baseball I speak with during the course of the week.

Indians To Sign Bruce Chen To Minors Deal  —  The Indians have agreed to a minor league pact with veteran southpaw Bruce Chen, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports on Twitter.  Chen can earn a $1MM salary if he makes the club, and can also achieve up to $1MM in incentives.

1996 Jeffrey Maier Fielder's Glove Used to Catch Derek Jeter ALCS Game One Home Run....  The spark that started the modern Yankee dynasty!  —  1996 Jeffrey Maier Fielder's Glove Used to Catch Derek Jeter ALCS Game One Home Run.  As the departing Yankees captain made his final appearance …

Moncada, Olivera, Ibanez and Alvarez headline top available talent from island  —  Jesse Sanchez joins Hot Stove to discuss potential landing spots for Yoan Moncada, when the Cuban slugger might sign and the Caribbean WS  —  There are approximately 75 Cuban players pursuing a contract …

Chargers' Remarks to Mayor's Stadium Task Force  —  Special counsel to the President of the San Diego Chargers, Mark Fabiani, has issued detailed remarks and suggestions for the Mayor's newly appointed Stadium Task Force.  Below is a summarized version, to read the extended version click here.

Source: Yankees to retire Pettitte's No. 46  —  Andy Pettitte will have his No. 46 retired by the New York Yankees and receive a plaque in Monument Park, a source confirmed to ESPN.com.  —  Pettitte will become the 18th member of the Yankees to have his number retired.

Lazaro Alonso, Osniel Madera Leave Cuba  —  Three Cuban players for Pinar Del Rio have left the country, according to Cuban national baseball commissioner Heriberto Suarez.  —  Two of those players, first baseman Lazaro Alonso and infielder/outfielder Osniel Madera, should draw interest from major league teams.

A-Rod reached out to Chase Headley  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Chase Headley says Alex Rodriguez has “reached out and introduced himself.”  —  Headley was signed to a $52 million, four-year contract by the Yankees, who plan to start him at third base and shift Rodriguez to designated hitter.

Angels' Richards ‘looked good’ in first bullpen session since knee surgery  —  Garrett Richards threw 20 pitches Monday in his first bullpen session since last year's knee surgery.  —  Pitching coach Mike Butcher, who supervised the workout at the Angels' complex in Tempe, Ariz., said by text that Richards “looked good, felt good.”

2015 Organizational Rankings  —  Farm System Ranking in 2014: 2 Prospects on the BP 101: 7  —  State of the System: Despite graduating infielders Arismendy Alcantara and Javier Baez, and mildly uninspiring years from former Top 10 prospects like C.J. Edwards and Christian Villanueva …

Yankees Sign Jared Burton To Minor League Deal  —  The Yankees announced that they have signed right-hander Jared Burton to a minor league contract and invited the former Twins/Reds setup man to Major League Spring Training.  Burton is a client of Pro Agents, Inc.'s Dave Pepe.