So long Manny?  Dodgers call Dunn, source says … Apparently, the Dodgers aren't going to sit around all winter, waiting for Manny Ramirez to beg to come back.  They now have Adam Dunn on their shopping list.  —  The Dodgers contacted Dunn's agent, Greg Genske, over the holidays …

Sources: Cuban WBC pitching star Marti defects … ORLANDO, Fla. — Right-hander Yadel Marti, Cuba's best pitcher in the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, and outfielder Yasser Gomez left the island and are in an unknown location before attempting to reach the Dominican Republic to seek an MLB career, sources told ESPNdeportes.com.

Sox to sign Penny  —  Bard also in sights as backup catcher  —  Although it might not compete with the big-money, big-name signings by the Yankees in recent weeks - and certainly not with the more than $400 million the Bombers have spent in the offseason - the Sox are set to fill one of their open spots with a more modest acquisition.

Mets keeping starting options open  —  NEW YORK — The Mets ought to have a better read about their projected starting pitcher rotation by the end of the week.  —  They intend to make offers early this week to at least two and probably three free-agent pitchers — Derek Lowe …

Turnbow out, Redding still on Rockies' radar  —  The Rockies' desire to add hard-throwing bullpen depth will not include free agent Derrick Turnbow.  The right-hander has narrowed his suitors to three teams, with the Rockies not among them, his agent told The Denver Post today.

Verducci joins MLB Network studio team  —  Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Joins as “Baseball Insider”  —  SECAUCUS, N.J. — MLB Network today announced that Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Tom Verducci, one of the most respected journalists covering baseball, will join the studio team as a “Baseball Insider.”

O's, Hendrickson agree on contract terms  —  Looking to increase their pitching depth, the Orioles have agreed to terms with free-agent left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who will take a physical this week to finalize the deal, according to team sources.  Terms of the deal aren't known.

Buck Showalter on Mark Teixeira  —  I talked to Buck Showalter this afternoon about Mark Teixeira.  Buck managed Mark for his first four seasons, so I reached out to him last week, but with the holidays and all, we didn't connect until today.  —  Here are a few thoughts from Showalter on Teixeira:

Petitti shapes vision for MLB Network  —  President/CEO, a true baseball fan, plays big role in channel's birth  —  SECAUCUS, N.J. — Friday lunches are free at the MLB Network's second-floor cafeteria — have been for all of December, ever since this final push to launch the cable channel began.

Jays add catcher Barrett  —  Catcher Michael Barrett has agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney is reporting.  —  Barrett appeared in 30 games for the San Diego Padres in an injury-marred 2008 season, batting .202 with two home runs and nine RBIs.

Save Your Yankees Disgust  —  The Yank's owners are rude, flamboyant and obnoxious, but don't blame them for spending money to improve their team.  —  This man is worth $180 million.  —  Friends, Americans and baseball fans around the globe, lend me your eyes: I'm writing to praise the New York Yankees, not to bury them.

Catching up with Cubs announcer Len Kasper  —  When we profiled Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper right before spring training, expectations for the team were sky-high.  —  Well, you know what happened.  The wounds of the faithful are still healing.  Still, Kasper remembers 2008 as his favorite year in baseball.

In tough offseason, McLane favors salary cap  —  Astros struggling with sales of corporate sponsorships  —  Astros owner Drayton McLane is one of the wealthiest men in the country and is accustomed to hearing about multi-million dollar deals being made in any of his numerous business ventures.