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.

Vazquez has role as Sox trade bait  —  Right-hander Javier Vazquez had stood by his locker during the final days of the White Sox' postseason collapse, answering the same question over and over again without a hint of emotion or a sign of hesitation.  —  Did he want to be traded?  —  “No,” Vazquez said.

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.

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 …

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.

It's never too early to start looking at 2009 Phillies season  —  The offseason technically began the moment Eric Hinske swung and missed.  —  For those who root, root, root for the Phillies, that means a hearty celebration that will gradually give way to a gentle afterglow that should warm …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.