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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Wake, Tavarez back  —  The Red Sox today exercised the 2008 contract options on righthanded pitchers Julian Tavarez and Tim Wakefield.  —  Wakefield went 17-12 record and a 4.76 ERA this past season.  Wakefield was hampered by back and shoulder problems toward the end of the year …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …