Pirates manager: Russell the choice?  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates have settled on their next manager but aren't ready to say who it is.  —  There were strong indications Friday night that the choice was former Pirate third-base coach John Russell.  —  Russell, 46, who was on the Pirates staff in 2003-05 …

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.

Marlins name Mark Wiley pitching coach  —  MIAMI — The Florida Marlins today named Mark Wiley their pitching coach, completing the coaching staff for the 2008 season.  The announcement was made by Marlins President of Baseball Operations Larry Beinfest.  —  "Mark [Wiley] is an accomplished …

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, senior baseball operations advisor for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, has published this provocative Young Talent Inventory in The Bill James Handbook 2008, available as of Nov. 1, 2007.

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.

Mariners decline 2008 options on Guillen, Reitsma  —  SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners declined their contract options for 2008 on right fielder Jose Guillen and oft-injured reliever Chris Reitsma.  —  Guillen could still be back.  He wants a multiyear contract and not the one-year …

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.

Sosa wants to return to MLB, but seeks $7M deal  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Sammy Sosa wants to play in the majors next year, provided a team offers him a contract for at least $7 million.  —  Sosa hit 21 home runs with 92 RBIs this season with Texas.

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 …

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.

Minor League Free Agents  —  The following 602 players were declared free agents following the 2007 season, as provided by Major League Baseball.  —  Arizona Diamondbacks (12)  —  Righthanders: Jeff Bajenaru, D.J. Carrasco, Chad Harville, Donald Julio, Mike Schultz  —  Lefthander: Hipolito Guerrero

Griffey Jr. would answer Atlanta's center field questions  —  Atlanta Journal Constitution columnist Terence Moore said the Atlanta Braves can solve their center field dilemma with Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds.  Griffey would be a solution until the future outfield prospects …

Hall-of-Fame credentials  —  Gary Carter, a star catcher for the Mets in the 1980s, is the latest in a long line of impressive candidates to interview for the vacant job as Barnstormers manager.  —  Lancaster New Era  —  LANCASTER, Pa. - Fifteen years have passed since Gary Carter last played in the big leagues.