Unit talks hit Big snag  —  Pitcher wants extension  —  The Yankees' possible trade of Randy Johnson to the Diamondbacks, a deal that appeared to be gaining steam toward the end of last week, has slowed over the structuring of a potential contract extension for Johnson, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

Reality check on a closer  —  The job is still open in Red Sox bullpen  —  If the Red Sox need a money-making venture to offset Daisuke Matsuzaka's costs, perhaps they could come up with a reality show centered around their search for a closer.  Call it "Closer Idol."

Minaya's off-season enhances his rep  —  New York Mets GM Omar Minaya has already established himself as one of the most effective execs in the game today, and this winter has done nothing to change that.  —  Since the Mets came up short in the NLCS, Minaya has re-upped with Tom Glavine …

Cooper: Get Buehrle back on right track  —  Must replace Garcia, McCarthy  —  When you ask White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper who the team's fifth starter will be Opening Day, he hopes he doesn't forget anyone from a long list of aspirants.  —  Cooper mentions six off the top of his head.

Overspend or overhaul?  Teams trying to get over  —  The Barry Zito hangover is just now wearing off, and with it the turgid analyses of why it was a great idea (the Giants replace Jason Schmidt and spend the kind of money that suggests that they are now flush to the point of utter extravagance) …

Inside Dish: Venezuelan political climate influences MLB  —  With the recent reelection of Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, major league teams are growing more wary of sending players there for winter ball or even having their Venezuelan stars visit home during the offseason.

Concepcion waiting for his Hall call  —  Legendary Reds shortstop has two years of eligibility left  —  CINCINNATI — Who says No. 13 is an unlucky number?  —  For many shortstops, especially those hailing from Latin America, wearing that number on their jersey would be viewed as an honor and privilege.

Rockies push to improve in 2007  —  Ownership puts pressure on Colorado to boost record  —  DENVER — If you liked the forward steps the Rockies took in 2006 and believe they'll continue moving forward in 2007, the club agrees.  —  Certainly, fans were jarred by the trade …

Bulked up Pedro aiming for midseason  —  Pedro Martinez is a bigger story than ever, apparently.  Though the chance of the Mets ace pitching before the All-Star break is quite slim, the pitcher himself is no longer so.  While rehabilitating his surgically repaired right shoulder, he has added 10 pounds of self-described muscle.

Yes  —  SEVEN NAMES WERE circled on the Hall of Fame ballot I mailed in earlier this month.  —  Among them: Mark McGwire's.  —  The six other players I voted for?  Ripken, Gwynn, Lee Smith, Goose Gossage, Jim Rice and Tommy John.  —  I'd be surprised — no, make that shocked …

Hot Stove: Tracy's spirit a fit for the season  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Jim Tracy is starting to smile again.  And laugh a little.  And even, on occasion, to think about baseball.  —  But none of that has come without some significant effort since Nov. 30 …