Mets, backup catcher Castro closing in on two-year deal  —  NEW YORK — Ramon A. Castro and the Mets closed in on a two-year contract Tuesday that would keep their second-string catcher in New York.  —  The deal could be completed sometime soon, according to two people familiar with the negotiations …

Sabathia takes home AL Cy Young  —  Cleveland left-hander beats Boston's Beckett in voting  —  CLEVELAND — The Cy Young questions sprang up midseason, as C.C. Sabathia consistently put together dominant performances for an Indians team in contention for a division title.

Probabilistic Model of Range, Third Basemen, 2007  —  The Washington Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman lead the way at third base.  —  Team Third Basemen PMR, 2007, Visit Smooth Distance Model, 2007 data only  —  Team In Play Actual Outs Predicted Outs DER Predicted DER Ratio  —  Nationals  —  4591

Nats won't spend big  —  Baseball's free agency period began at midnight, and for the first time since they arrived in the District, the Washington Nationals found themselves in an enviable position.  —  With a new ballpark nearing completion on South Capitol Street, a young team coming off …

Twins trade for Craig Monroe  —  The Twins and Chicago Cubs have been discussing a trade that would send left fielder Craig Monroe to Minnesota for a player to be named, and an announcement could come as soon as today, the Star Tribune has learned.  —  UPDATE: It's official.

Youkilis shaves his beard for charity  —  Gillette company donates $5,000 for slugger's being shorn  —  BOSTON — As routes to stardom go, Kevin Youkilis took a different tack.  His hirsute forebear, Johnny Damon, was as much defined by his carefree streak as by his long locks.

New sensation  —  Award tops Braun's stellar first season  —  Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, who keeps an open mind on nearly every topic, has read and heard the "suggestions" that Ryan Braun should be moved from third base to the outfield.  —  At this point, Melvin is ignoring that unsolicited advice.

Rivera Has $45 Million Reasons to Stay  —  Somewhat lost in the excitement of Monday's news that Jorge Posada will return to the Yankees was the team's improved offer to closer Mariano Rivera: three years, $45 million.  That should be plenty of cash for Rivera, like Posada, to return to the only team he's known.

Angels and Dodgers lead race to acquire Miguel Cabrera  —  All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera said he wants to remain with the Marlins, but it's looking more and more like he'll be playing in Southern California next year.  —  The Dodgers and Angels are the front-runners among …

Rogers, Hunter on Rangers' wish list  —  GM Daniels says club is preparing offers to targeted guys  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers have expressed interest in bringing back pitcher Kenny Rogers, and have also begun their all-out pursuit of free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter.

Melvin has an offer in to Cordero  —  Brewers general manager Doug Melvin tried to get to the front of the line by making an offer Monday to the agent of free-agent closer Francisco Cordero.  —  As of today, however, Melvin probably has plenty of company.  Today is the first day other teams …

Wild Things Offer Bonds an Opportunity to Return to Pittsburgh Market  —  Washington, PA - The Independent Frontier League's Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, have offered a contract to Barry Bonds, according to officials.

Who wants to be a sportscaster?  —  So you think you can be a sportscaster, eh?  Well, starting in the new year, you'll have the opportunity to learn if you really have what it takes from some of the top sportscasters in Canada.  —  Details will be announced next week …