Maddon, Piniella named top skippers  —  Two colorful characters tabbed AL, NL Managers of the Year  —  Joe Maddon and the man he succeeded as Tampa Bay manager, Lou Piniella, were named Managers of the Year in the American League and National League, respectively, by the Baseball Writers' Association …

Yanks, Marte agree to three-year deal  —  Reliever, 33, gives Bombers solid left-hander in the bullpen  —  NEW YORK — The possibility of operating without an established left-handed option out of the bullpen, as the Yankees did for much of last season, is no longer a concern.

Red Sox freeze ticket prices for 2009 season  —  First time in 14 years the team holds prices on all seats and standing room tickets available to the public; Spring Training prices also held  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today announced the team is holding prices at 2008 levels …

White Sox GM might consider dealing Dye  —  Williams might trade slugging outfielder; Jenks not untouchable  —  In his attempt to field a younger and quicker team for the future, White Sox general manager Ken Williams and high-level staff members currently are evaluating talent at the Arizona Fall League.

‘Baltimore’ is back: O's unveil new uniforms  —  Rallying for change, fans turn out as city's name is returned to road jerseys after 36-year absence  —  The look was a new one to Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Jeremy Guthrie, a trio Orioles fans hope will eventually make up the nucleus of a championship-caliber club.

Rockies say time to move Holliday had come  —  The Rockies began life without all-star slugger Matt Holliday today as the deal with the Oakland A's became official.  —  And while general manager Dan O'Dowd and manger Clint Hurdle expressed their best wishes to Holliday, they made it clear it was time to part ways.

Angels will let K-Rod go; Arte Moreno likes Manny Ramirez  —  Angels owner indicates that Ramirez could be pursued if the team can't sign Teixeira.  —  The chances of the Angels retaining record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez went from slim to virtually none today, with owner Arte Moreno saying …

Tidbits on Big Unit, Peavy  —  A couple of quick updates on a pair of notable pitchers . . .  - Looks like a big meeting in Arizona tonight between the Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson could go far in determining whether the Big Unit, a free agent, remains in Arizona, as is his preference, or has to seek employment elsewhere.

Weathers: Time to ‘turn page’  —  Free-agent reliever believes he won't return to Reds next season  —  CINCINNATI — Veteran reliever and free agent David Weathers is pretty convinced that his days with the Reds are over.  —  “As far as I'm concerned, I've flipped the page,” Weathers told MLB.com on Wednesday.

Wright: Mets need ‘facelift’ after late collapses  —  NEW YORK — With the New York Mets coming off consecutive September collapses, David Wright is ready for a few significant changes.  —  “You go through two seasons that we've been through the last couple years and you're going to need …

Carl Pavano says he is open to returning to Florida Marlins  —  WEST PALM BEACH — Right-hander Carl Pavano says he is open to a reunion with the Marlins.  And wherever he winds up, Pavano is determined to shed his label as one of the biggest free-agent busts in baseball history.

Reds to receive environmental award  —  Recycling, conservation and carbon-neutral games earn recognition  —  CINCINNATI — For their environmental efforts this year, the Reds are being recognized by Hamilton County.  —  On Thursday, the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District …

Colletti denies Martin trade rumors  —  Dodgers GM wants to protect club's young nucleus of players  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are not trying to trade catcher Russell Martin, haven't yet spoken to the agent for free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia and are considering right-hander James McDonald for a bullpen role.

Torres retires after career year  —  Reliever's exit from baseball leaves Brewers without closer  —  MILWAUKEE — Add “closer” to the Brewers' list of offseason needs.  —  Salomon Torres, who emerged in May as a steady replacement for the unsteady Eric Gagne and went on to lead the team in saves …