Macha's staff to include familiar faces  —  Sveum, Sedar and Castro expected to return; waiting on Maddux  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers will make an announcement on Friday about new manager Ken Macha's coaching staff, and some familiar names will be on the list.

Varitek files for free agency  —  JASON VARITEKSox have short signing period  —  Jason Varitek was among 65 players to file for free agency yesterday, the first day players were eligible.  —  The Red Sox have exclusive negotiating rights with the catcher for a 15-day window.

Sabathia a big target for Yanks  —  Yanks figure to be one of his suitors, may eye Teixeira, Ramirez  —  The Yankees can't officially negotiate financial terms with any free agents - aside from their own - until Nov. 14, but the countdown to the all-out pursuit of ace CC Sabathia is on.

End of year means Baldelli a free agent  —  Outfielder thanks Rays for sticking with him during illness  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Rocco Baldelli is a free agent now that the season is over, and on Thursday afternoon, the veteran outfielder said he did not know what to expect heading into the offseason.

130-game baseball season?  Why not  —  There are age-old tribal conflicts that don't last as long as a major-league baseball season.  —  In the time it takes to get through the 162-game regular season and the slow-drip playoffs, you could write a chemistry textbook, crack a North Korean spy code …

Tatis, Mets agree on one-year deal  —  Veteran provided versatility, clutch hitting during '08 season  —  NEW YORK — Fernando Tatis, recognized as a comeback player with the Mets in 2008, is coming back in different way.  The club announced Thursday night that Tatis had agreed to a one-year contract.

Baseball must be more fan-friendly  —  PHILADELPHIA — Years from now, when the champagne smell is gone from the clubhouse carpet and the Phillie Phanatic has gray fur, this World Series will be remembered for the weather.  —  It's a shame, really.  That's like being famous in high school for getting the worst wedgie.

Phillies-Rays Series draws record-low television ratings  —  CBSSports.com wire reports  —  NEW YORK — A small-market team and a short series often are guarantees of low television ratings for sports in this age of fractured audiences.  The 2008 World Series added to that double whammy …

Jones returning as Tigers' 'pen coach  —  Detroit brings back aide after intially releasing him at season's end  —  DETROIT — Jeff Jones was dismissed as bullpen coach at season's end in large part to allow a new pitching coach to make his own choice for the role.

News: Mets Pick Up Delgado's Option for 2009  —  The Mets have picked up Carlos Delgado's 2009 option, which will reportedly pay him $12 million.  —  However, as I wrote in early October, despite picking up his option, it sounds like Delgado's future with the Mets will depend …

The New Testament of Fielding Stats and Awards  —  With the World Series behind us, the baseball world now turns its attention to award winners, free agents, the Rule 5 draft, and the hot stove league.  We will cover all of these matters - and much more - this off-season.

It could be time to bring Griffey back - at a discount  —  I've generally been among the last to jump on the Ken Griffey Jr. bandwagon.  —  I've covered the Mariners since 2000, the spring Griffey forced his way off the team, and I never saw him work other than from covering the other team.

Dempster one of four to test market  —  Starter wants to stay; Edmonds, Howry, Fox also file for free agency  —  CHICAGO — Four Cubs, including All-Star right-hander Ryan Dempster and center fielder Jim Edmonds, filed for free agency on Thursday, the first eligible day to do so.

White Sox to begin youth movement  —  GM Williams looking within organization to improve next season  —  CHICAGO — The phrase “going young” in the world of Major League Baseball usually translates into “rebuilding” to fans following that particular team.  —  Judging by comments …

Yankee Stadium: One last plate appearance?  —  Yankee Stadium could host one final ceremony after all.  —  Stealing home  —  Plans are in the works to have Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte transfer home plate from the current ballpark into the new Yankee Stadium …