Sources: A-Rod was seeking $350M from Yankees … Before Alex Rodriguez opted out of his contract with the Yankees earlier this week, the team was told that it would not be able to meet with the third baseman unless it presented an offer of at least $350 million, sources say.

Michael Kay rips Joe Torre, but not on YES Network  —  Why was Michael Kay treading lightly on Alex Rodriguez and jolly-stomping Joe Torre?  That is the question a caller to Kay's ESPN-1050 Tuesday soiree asked.  —  The inquiry agitated Mr. Kay.  —  "There are things about Joe Torre …

Yankees pick up Abreu's option  —  The Yankees have picked up the $16 million option for 2008 on right  —  fielder Bobby Abreu.  A person informed of the decision, who asked not to  —  be named since the Yankees had not yet made an announcement, confirmed  —  the move today.

Bill James: MLB's Top 50 Young Players  —  Groundbreaking analyst Bill James, who is Senior Baseball Operations Advisor for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, has published this provocative new Young Talent Inventory in The Bill James Handbook 2008, available as of November 1, 2007.

Farrell turns down shot at Pirates' job  —  Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell released a statement through the Sox, saying he planned to stay with the club rather than pursue a chance to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates.  His statement said:

2003 Sox opening letter.  —  Here is the letter that arrived at our home a few hours prior to Theo, Jed and Larry opening up negotiations.  Theo said he didn't have a problem with it being published and I think it's a pretty significant look into how the ownership and baseball operations people here in Boston do business.

Wakefield, Tavarez remain with Boston as team exercises options  —  BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox [team stats] exercised their 2008 options on righthanded pitchers Tim Wakefield [stats] and Julian Tavarez [stats] on Friday.  —  Wakefield matched his career high in wins with a 17-12 record …

Veteran Stairs, Blue Jays agree to 2-year contract … The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to terms with utility man Matt Stairs on Friday, signing the veteran to to a two-year deal, his agent said.  Stairs, who will turn 40 in February, will get $3.5 million for two years, agent Bob Garber said.

A-Rod in Marlins' future?  —  Florida's Larry Beinfest would not discount the idea of Alex Rodriguez playing in his hometown in 2008.  —  AIM cspencer@MiamiHerald.com  —  A-Rod to the Marlins?  —  Although it's a long shot, don't dismiss him entirely.  —  Five days after Alex Rodriguez opted …

Mariners decline option on Guillen  —  The Mariners on Friday officially declined to exercise their 2008 option on the contract of Jose Guillen, bringing the outfielder one step closer to free agency.  —  The Mariners had five days after the conclusion of the World Series to pick up their $9 million option …

Does A-Rod make sense for the Mets?  —  I have to admit, when A-Rod, or actually Scott Boras, announced that he was opting out of his contract with the Yankees, I never imagined the Mets would be a potential suitor for his services.  It just seemed to be an impossible fit.