Yankees eyeing free-agent options  —  Questions surround return of Posada, Pettitte, Mussina, others  —  NEW YORK — Because the Yankees could not proceed with their offseason planning until it was decided who would sit in the general manager's chair, Brian Cashman assured …

Sox roster is set  —  The Red Sox have set their initial roster for the first round of the playoffs and there are no real surprises.  The Sox are carrying 10 pitchers and 15 positional players; Mike Timlin is off and third catcher David Ross is on.  Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew are both expected …

A look at the Texas Rangers' off-season lineup card  —  ARLINGTON - Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels took some time Tuesday afternoon to run through the list of positive steps the team took this season.  He cited the improved record, the contributions by young players …

Mets' Santana had torn meniscus  —  Mets ace Johan Santana had left knee surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus, SI.com has learned.  He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready in time for spring training.  —  Adding to his legacy as one of the game's elite starters …

Dodgers and Angels, California's Yin and Yang  —  ANAHEIM — When the Dodgers celebrated clinching the National League West title last week, Manny Ramirez walked out on the field armed with a microphone and surveyed the crowd, some of whom sported dreadlocked wigs and No. 99 jerseys.  —  “What's up L.A.?”

Fan: Yep, lost my head over Mr. Met  —  A disgruntled Mets fan who melted down months before his team did pleaded guilty Tuesday to harassing Mr. Met during a game.  —  Christian Hansen, 32, of Brooklyn, admitted to badgering the baseball-headed mascot - while swatting young fans out of his way …

Greene's self-inflicted hand injury could cost him a chunk of salary  —  Losing his cool could cost Khalil Greene more than a cool million.  —  Padres CEO Sandy Alderson acknowledged Tuesday that the club is pursuing a grievance against its normally stoic shortstop, who was lost for the season …

JOBA SAYS HIS SHOULDER IS FINE  —  Joba Chamberlain revealed yesterday that he had problems getting loose on Sunday in Boston.  But he says his shoulder's fine.  —  “We're good,” Chamberlain said outside Yankee Stadium.  “Everything's been good since the last check-up and everything comes out good.

Meet the Mets Minaya needs  —  When he was being grilled on Sunday about the disturbing pattern of succumbing to pressure that currently defines his ballclub, Omar Minaya defiantly defended his “core group” as a proven commodity, noting that it won 97 games in 2006 and came within one game of reaching the World Series.

Peavy expected to be trade target  —  Kyle Lohse is off the board, CC Sabathia is going to be out of reach for most teams, and Derek Lowe might have more suitors than any pitcher on the market, a dynamic that will drive his asking price well beyond $50 million.

Cardinals' Carpenter to pass on surgery  —  ST. LOUIS (AP)—Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will not have surgery for a nerve problem in his shoulder, hoping he'll be ready for spring training after therapy and rest.  —  General manager John Mozeliak confirmed the course of action Wednesday.

White Sox claim AL Central crown  —  Danks tosses gem, Thome hits monster homer to beat Twins  —  CHICAGO — As recently as last Thursday, White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn't think Tuesday night's celebration at U.S. Cellular Field would be possible.