Yankees' offer baffles Melvin  —  Sabathia bid reportedly $140 million  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The New York Yankees reportedly offered free agent left-hander CC Sabathia the biggest pitching contract in major-league history Friday, which drew a somewhat puzzled response …

Source: Mets won't bid for Sabathia  —  The Mets were content to watch Friday from their Citi Field offices as the Yankees made good on their promise of a shock-and-awe first offer to free agent CC Sabathia.  —  With a starting point of six years and roughly $140 million …

Cubs interested in Randy Johnson  —  Hendry hedges his bets in case Dempster bolts  —  Could the Cubs wave goodbye to one power pitcher and say hello to another?  —  One day after severing ties with closer Kerry Wood, the Cubs began exploring Friday the possibility of signing left-hander Randy Johnson to a one-year deal.

Nats, Whitney agree to deal  —  First baseman signs Minor League contract with Washington  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals and first baseman Matt Whitney have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract, with an invitation to Spring Training, according to Whitney's representative, Jim Munsey.

Twins submit deal ‘framework’ to Blake  —  Agent says Minnesota one of eight teams to express interest  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins want to find an upgrade for third base this offseason, and it certainly appears like they will be aggressive in their pursuit.

Peavy added to Yanks' wish list  —  American League a possibility for righty as talks stall with NL clubs  —  Even as they pursue free agent starting pitchers CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett, the Yankees could also have an eye on Padres' right-hander Jake Peavy.

Braves GM: Trade talks for Padres' Peavy are off  —  Trade talks between the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres over pitcher Jake Peavy have hit the wall, and according to Braves general manager Frank Wren, the Braves have “moved on.”  —  The Padres, in the midst of dumping payroll …

Suffering and Snobbery as Cuban Pursues Cubs  —  It is common knowledge that Mark Cuban, who apparently has not suffered enough watching his Dallas Mavericks being eliminated in the first round of the N.B.A. playoffs the last two years, is trying to buy the Chicago Cubs.

Madden: Swisher signing has big upside … Say It Ain't So

Tigers not actively shopping Ordonez  —  Dombrowski willing to listen to offers as team seeks to improve  —  DETROIT — While the Tigers noted increased trade talks in recent days as baseball's free agency hunt heats up, their stance on their most speculated trade target remains the same.

Beinfest taking a cue from Tampa Bay Rays; Marlins to stress speed, defense and pitching  —  Florida Marlins General Manager Larry Beinfest is on hand as Hanley Ramirez signs with the baseball team.  (Carey Wagner/Sun Sentinel / May 17, 2008)  —  If this whirlwind Marlins offseason …

Mariners plan department devoted to statistical analysis  —  It turns out the Mariners...  There was speculation a few weeks back that the new Mariners front office might try to do a little more work with statistical analysis.  —  It turns out the Mariners are planning to do a whole lot more.

Dodgers will charge up to $90 for exhibition games  —  LOS ANGELES — Forget Dodger Blue.  This is Dodger Green - as in $90 for a spring training ticket.  —  That's what the Dodgers will charge for 692 top seats at their new spring home in Glendale, Ariz. Last year, their highest-priced exhibition ticket was $20 at Vero Beach, Fla.

MLB could send stars to Olympics  —  Baseball officials assure IOC of efforts if sport is reinstated  —  Baseball officials gave members of the International Olympic Committee assurances on Friday that an effort will be made to send some of the game's best professional players if it is reinstated …