A.J. FREE; JUST ONE YANK TARGET  —  DANA POINT, Calif. - The Yankees' most intense focus is on free-agent pitching early in this offseason, and A.J. Burnett officially joined the ranks yesterday of those the Yanks will pursue.  —  However, they are aggressively looking into other avenues to upgrade the 2009 club, as well.

Omar looking high & Lowe  —  DANA POINT, Calif. - Mets GM Omar Minaya bowled an average of 150 while competing against his counterparts from other teams Tuesday afternoon.  He insisted the two-hour event was productive with regard to discussing trades, and didn't just serve as a social gathering.

Phillies would need righthanded bat if Burrell leaves  —  DANA POINT, Calif. - Manager Charlie Manuel was in town yesterday, shaking hands with well-wishers and meeting with new general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. One of the topics of conversation between the two men was Plan B - as in, Plan Burrell.

Alejo brought back as strength coach  —  First stint of nine years with A's ended with hire by Giambi  —  OAKLAND — Bob Alejo, best known for his ties to former A's slugger and current free-agent first baseman Jason Giambi, was hired Tuesday for a second tour of duty as Oakland's strength and conditioning coach.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Baltimore Orioles  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

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.

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?

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 man himself today when Church told mlb.com …