Yankees sell rights to pitcher Rasner for $1 million to team in Japan … Right-handed pitcher Darrell Rasner, who started 20 games for the New York Yankees last season, has been sold to a team in Japan for $1 million, his agent said.  —  Rasner, 27, expects to sign a two-year deal …

MLB INSIDER: Mets getting closer to bringing in Jenks?  —  Bobby Jenks doesn't carry the albatross of a long-term contract around his neck and he's coming off a strong 2008 season.  So when you're looking at the White Sox through the prism of our New York teams, don't make too many connections between Jenks …

Pujols or Howard: It's a hard race to call  —  On Monday the National League Most Valuable Player will be announced.  The Cardinals' Albert Pujols and Phillies' Ryan Howard, a St. Louis native, are frontrunners for the award.  —  Results of Major League Baseball's annual Rorschach test …

Big Unit on Cubs' radar  —  North Siders one of six teams to contact southpaw's agents  —  CHICAGO — With Kerry Wood out of the picture and Ryan Dempster and Jake Peavy out in the open, the Cubs are considering another big name — the Big Unit.  —  Free agent left-hander Randy Johnson …

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 …

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

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.

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 …

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 …

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.