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.

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) …

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.

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 …

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 …

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."

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.

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.

Old question in Sox' new year  —  The Red Sox [team stats]' search for a closer carried into the new year apparently no closer to a resolution.  —  The club remains interested in Washington Nationals right-hander Chad Cordero, who went 7-4 with 29 saves in 33 opportunities last season …

Orioles reportedly reach agreement with Huff  —  The Orioles have reached agreement with free-agent utilityman Aubrey Huff, the Baltimore Sun reported Saturday, citing several industry sources.  —  The offer is believed to be for three years and $20 million, the newspaper reported.

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 …