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.

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 …

Crasnick: A victim of bad timing … The first big item on Ben Sheets' offseason agenda comes Dec. 14, when he will serve as grand marshal of the Christmas parade in Gonzales, La. — aka “the jambalaya capital of the world.”  —  Sometime before spring training, Sheets will find out where he'll be pitching in 2009.

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.

Mets keeping tabs on closers' market  —  Fuentes, Rodriguez, Wood appeal most to Minaya  —  NEW YORK — The pending Rockies-A's trade that will move Matt Holliday to the American League and put Huston Street in the National League appears to have little impact on the Mets — at least little immediate impact.

Braves' new world could revolve around Peavy  —  For a franchise that won 14 consecutive division titles, fourth place does not suffice.  So Frank Wren has a plan.  —  He's going to remake the Atlanta Braves.  Preferably by taking a major first step in the next few days.

MLB Network adds to on-air talent lineup  —  Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds join as studio analysts along with reporters Trenni Kusnierek and Hazel Mae  —  SECAUCUS, N.J. — MLB Network today announced four new additions to its roster of on-air talent, naming baseball veterans Al Leiter …

Tampa Bay Rays  —  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.

Former Mets star says have fun  —  BASEBALL: The Hall of Fame pitcher advises prep players to enjoy the moment, as he speaks in Newport Beach.  —  Tom Seaver seemed to be so comfortable, sitting at The Cannery with a beer in front of him, Tommy Davis to his left and Doug DeCinces to his right.

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.

Giles and Hoffman  —  I apologize for the dual subjects of this post, especially given the importance of each individual one.  However, both are timely, and neither should be ignored.  —  There were a lot of relevant comments following the Brian Giles post, so I wanted to respond.

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?

Orioles change wardrobe  —  ‘Baltimore’ added to road jerseys; other subtle alterations made  —  One long wait ends today for Orioles fans, who will no longer be able to gripe about the absence of the city's name from the team's road uniforms.  —  At a fan rally today at noon at The Gallery …

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 …

Evolution of Texas Rangers pitchers begins in training room  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - In an attempt to toughen up the worst pitching staff in the majors, the Rangers have tapped into the philosophies of an old-school pitching guru.  —  His name: Charles Darwin.