Yankees and Rodriguez Receive Approval for Deal  —  Four weeks after Alex Rodriguez walked away from his contract with the Yankees, he and the club have gained approval for a marketing deal tied to his home run milestones, the last significant step in completing a contract that restores Rodriguez to the Yankees' roster.

Give Santana a look … Publicly, at least, the Minnesota Twins are saying they still hope to re-sign Johan Santana.  Privately, according to at least one official from another major league team, the Twins have given indication they will trade Santana before the start of spring training …

To hell with Francisco Cordero  —  I thought waiting 24 hours after Coco Cordero signing with the Cincinnati Reds would be enough time for me to cool down and then give my thoughts on the signing.  The truth is, I could wait all winter until Opening Day and I'd still be pretty bitter towards Cordero for doing what he did.

SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH...  HANK STEINBRENNER  —  The Post's Steve Serby chatted with the new Yankees boss about his expectations for 2008 and beyond, his life as George Steinbrenner's oldest son, and his memories of a lifetime in and around the world's most famous ballclub.

Mets interested in Freddy Garcia  —  The Mets tried to trade for Freddy Garcia last December, but the Phillies made a better offer and got the hulking righty from the White Sox.  —  The Mets, though, remained interested, and now that Garcia is a free agent, they've called his representative several times to discuss signing him.

Pirates inquire about Clement  —  Free agent coming off shoulder surgery  —  The Pirates are one of six teams to have contacted free-agent starter Matt Clement, a Butler native returning from shoulder surgery, but it is far from certain they will be a serious bidder.

Angels' deal could be sign Cabrera is next  —  After signing Torii Hunter, the Angels have a stockpile of outfielders to package in a trade for Miguel Cabrera.  —  AIM cspencer@MiamiHerald.com  —  It was a quiet Thanksgiving for the Marlins, who made a holiday splash two years ago …

16 months after crash, Duaner Sanchez back on comeback trail to Mets  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - On a mound shielded from the drizzle outside, and just 20 feet from the spot where his recovery from a taxi-cab accident suffered a serious setback, Duaner Sanchez's right foot is touching the rubber for the first time since March.

Sign of turnaround in LA  —  Torre and young stars key to Dodger success  —  They were not about to get into the silly money the Angels gave Torii Hunter.  They would not go four years on Mike Lowell.  They are unwilling to part with four or even three top prospects for Miguel Cabrera …

Boras still has Pena's confidence  —  The amount the Rays will have to pay 1B Carlos Pena after his AL comeback player of the year performance remains a mystery.  —  Pena's friends were in an uproar last week, texting and calling his cell phone when they heard he placed ninth in the AL MVP voting.

Mitchell Report Could Have a Major Impact on Visas  —  Ten days ago, Robert Hill sent a memo to clients and other interested parties.  "ALERT," the memo began in capital letters.  "Anticipated December Release of Mitchell Report May Have Unintended Consequences for Foreign Athletes."

Free agent updates  —  The offseason is in full swing, and teams are in search of free agent help.  Here's a look at the players on the market and in the news.  —  Nov. 19: Rodriguez's negotiations with the Yankees are not yet complete, but the newly crowned American League MVP said that there is a finish line in sight.

Conlin's Losing Numbers [UPDATED TWICE: See end]  —  As you might recall from late August, I picked on Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News for his close-minded and immature diatribe against proponents of Sabermetrics in baseball.  —  I've found another target.