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.

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.

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

Rivera Turns the Tables, Making the Yanks Wait  —  The Yankees' latest offer to Mariano Rivera — three years for $45 million — would make him by far the highest-paid closer ever, and team officials are somewhat surprised he has not yet accepted.  The initial offer was for $5 million less …

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.

Arizona looking to woo Reds  —  Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' training stadium, which leaves the team looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering if it could snare another Florida team.  —  Eyes are on Tucson …

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.

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 …

Reds COO Allen steps down  —  Long-time Cincinnati executive will stay on as consultant  —  CINCINNATI — John Allen is credited for moving the operation of the Reds franchise into modern times while also rekindling attention to its storied tradition.  —  Allen announced Tuesday …

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.

Rowand leaves door open for return  —  Free agent to draw much interest, but Philly still a possibility  —  PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Rowand spent the day before his official availability to all 30 teams in baseball playing 18 holes of golf with Chase Utley.  —  The teammates …