GMs' meetings: The Yankees met yesterday with CC Sabathia's agents  —  Not a shocker, but the next step: Two of Sabathia's agents, Greg Genske and Brian Peters - Scott Parker also works with LS Legacy Sports Group - said that the Yankees were one of several teams with whom they met yesterday.

Mets to build around core players  —  The Mets don't have the kind of money everyone thinks, especially having to pay Billy Wagner $10M next season.  They will spend to get a starter, a reliever and a bat to supplement Ryan Church in right and the Daniel Murphy/Fernando Tatis platoon in left.

YANKEES SET TO FINALIZE STAFF  —  PENA TO JOIN GIRARDI AS BENCH COACH  —  The Yankees are set to finalize their coaching staff with the slight surprise that Tony Pena is going to become Joe Girardi's bench coach, The Post has learned.  —  The moves were not finalized …

More surgery for Carpenter  —  Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter (Chris Lee/P-D)  —  DANA POINT, Calif. — Chris Carpenter's long road back encountered another hairpin curve Tuesday when the Cardinals' ace and 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner required surgery to relocate a nerve near his surgically repaired right elbow.

Braves serious about Japanese pitcher  —  Dana Point, Calif. — While Braves officials continue their pursuit of Jake Peavy, they're also moving forward on other pitching fronts.  Namely one on the other side of the Pacific Rim.  —  I'm told the Braves have already offered a major league contract …

GM meetings produce lots of rumors involving Royals — but only rumors  —  Let's put the disclaimer up front before touching on some of the rumors and chatter circulating this week at the St. Regis Resort as baseball's 30 general managers hold their annual meetings.  —  Most rumors, even when valid, don't lead to anything.

Marlins unveil new park's dimensions  —  Outfield to resemble Dolphin Stadium's; site will be pitcher-friendly … MIAMI — Some of the characteristics of the old stadium will be incorporated into the Marlins' new ballpark.  —  Specifically, the field dimensions.

White Sox GM Ken Williams wants more team speed; Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher trade bait  —  Williams' wish list: Upgrade speed, find takers for veterans  —  DANA POINT, Calif. - Could the White Sox trade Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher, their two biggest disappointments last season?

Florida Marlins talk to Rangers about catcher Max Ramirez  —  At a meeting of general managers, the Marlins have talked to Texas about getting catcher Max Ramirez in exchange for young pitching.  —  CSPENCER@MIAMIHERALD.COM  —  DANA POINT, Calif. — The Marlins have spoken to the Texas Rangers …

Church is no fan of Francesa  —  We knew all along (and from personal experience) that Mike Francesa's talk-radio blather last month about Mets right fielder Ryan Church hating it in New York was a bunch of nonsense.  —  Well, that was confirmed from the source today when Church told mlb.com …

An Open Letter to Larry Lucchino - from a Grounds Crew Member  —  The Red Sox have a problem with how they treat some of their people.  I'm writing so you're aware of the problem.  —  Let me start off by saying that I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan - an admirer of the success you and the Red Sox management have brought to the team.

2009 Mariners: Players of interest  —  DANA POINT, Calif. — Jack Zduriencik was making small talk with some Seattle reporters Monday, and he earnestly promised, “I'll never tell you how to do your job.”  —  Unfortunately, much as I appreciated the sentiment, I couldn't reciprocate.

Phillies let third-base coach go  —  Smith had been with organization for two seasons  —  PHILADELPHIA — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel made his first and only change to his staff in two seasons, when he opted not to bring back third-base coach Steve Smith.

Pirates announce season ticket pricing for 2009 season  —  Club introduces four new value-priced full season plans and extended payment plan  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today a series of fan-friendly initiatives for their season ticket holders in 2009.