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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

With World Series drought over, Phillies seek refill  —  PHILADELPHIA — The message on the T-shirts that popped up around Citizens Bank Park soon after the final out of the World Series captured the joy and relief of Phillies fans in a uniquely Philadelphia way.  —  “Phinally,” the T-shirts proclaimed.

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.

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 …

Wilkerson heads for open market  —  After splitting 2008 with M's and Jays, outfielder opts for free agency  —  TORONTO — Just one day after the conclusion of the World Series, outfielder Brad Wilkerson turned in the proper paperwork and filed for free agency after spending most of the season with the Blue Jays.