Despite economy, Yanks will be big spenders  —  The Yankees know their needs — starting pitching tops the list — and are ready to start spending once free agency opens Friday, co-chairperson Hal Steinbrenner said yesterday.  —  “We're going to do what we do every year,” Steinbrenner said …

Reds interested in Rockies' Atkins, but not Torrealba, Taveras  —  The Cincinnati Reds, seeking a right-handed hitter to help balance their lineup, have definite interest in Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins.  But a source close to the Reds said they are not looking to acquire catcher Yorvit Torrealba …

One voter left out Lincecum  —  (11-11) 12:33 PST — The only Cy Young Award voter who excluded Tim Lincecum from his ballot grew up in Sacramento a Giants fan and had season tickets until 1984.  —  Told that his name might not be treasured among Giants fans today, Chris De Luca …

Braves confident in offer to Peavy  —  Frustration setting in as both sides work toward a deal  —  ATLANTA — The frustration the Braves have felt while attempting to acquire Jake Peavy has been present for at least a week, and possibly longer.  Dating back to October's second week …

Emilio Bonifacio deal puts Dan Uggla's status in question  —  Bonifacio brings speed, will get look in crowded mix at third  —  Tuesday, the Marlins and Nationals announced the five-player deal that sent left-hander Scott Olsen and left fielder Josh Willingham to Washington.

Orioles change wardrobe  —  ‘Baltimore’ added to road jerseys; other subtle alterations made  —  The Orioles bird that appears on team hats and helmets will get a new look for next season.  (November 11, 2008)  —  One long wait ends tomorrow for Orioles fans, who will no longer be able …

Yankees Sign Damaso Marte?  —  By Tim Dierkes [November 12 at 9:01am CST]  —  According to Impacto Deportivo, the Yankees signed Damaso Marte to a three-year, $12MM deal (link is in Spanish).  The Yanks had declined a $6MM option for 2009 earlier.  —  It's good news for Marte, who was saddled with Type A status.

David Ortiz pushes Red Sox to add some pop  —  Three weeks after the end of the Red Sox [team stats] season, David Ortiz [stats]' left wrist is feeling better.  —  But while Ortiz expects to be fully healthy for the start of the 2009 season, the designated hitter also believes the Sox lineup needs reinforcements.

Replacement level defined  —  Where or what is replacement level?  This is a question that does not have a perfect answer.  The concept in baseball is this: what is the quality of player you could get for the least cost, such as major league minimum, without having to give up value elsewhere?

Former Mets star Mike Piazza to write a memoir  —  Former Mets catcher Mike Piazza waves to fans after the final game at Shea Stadium.  Piazza announced Tuesday he is working on a memoir.  (Newsday / Kathy Kmonicek)  —  So what does Mike Piazza really think about Roger Clemens?

Extended Holliday in Oakland  —  Assuming everybody is as healthy as he looks and Matt Holliday doesn't turn an ankle jumping the chasm between his home and road splits, the public introductions of the Oakland Athletics new left fielder and the Colorado Rockies' new - what, future? - is expected any hour.