Book on Billy Wagner not closed  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  CHICAGO - Billy Wagner loved being with the Red Sox [team stats] so much at the end of the 2009 season, the reliever may want to come back after all.  —  Wagner, a Type A free agent who would bring …

Mets open talks with Holliday, eye Molina  —  CHICAGO — Omar Minaya met with Scott Boras for 45 minutes last night to begin to determine the price on Matt Holliday.  —  The meeting comes at a time when the Mets are still debating whether to big-game hunt this offseason for offense …

Yankees intend to keep Mitre  —  CHICAGO — The Yankees have until a week from Thursday to pick up Sergio Mitre's $1.25 million option for 2010.  But even if they do not pick up the option, Mitre is arbitration eligible and the Yankees intend to keep him, sources tell The Post.

Is Luis Castillo the Cubs' guy?  —  On the first day of the general managers' meetings, a report circulated about a possible three-way deal that would send Milton Bradley from the Cubs to the Blue Jays and bring second baseman Luis Castillo from the Mets to the Cubs.

Ken Griffey Jr. will be a Mariner in 2010  —  The official announcement probably won't come until later this morning, but Ken Griffey Jr. is coming back to the Mariners in 2010.  —  The outfielder, who will be 40 on Nov. 21, has reached a one-year agreement to play his 22nd year in the major leagues.

Sources: Tigers open to trading All-Star Jackson  —  CHICAGO - Edwin Jackson was an All-Star pitcher for the Tigers this year.  He looked like one of the great acquisitions in baseball for most of the season — a starter who pitched deep into games and wouldn't become a free agent until 2011.

Kendall may not return to Brewers  —  Melvin hints that prospect Lucroy could catch in 2010  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin made more comments on Tuesday hinting that Jason Kendall won't be back with the Brewers in 2010.  —  For the second time in five days …

Mets could have interest in Varitek  —  CHICAGO — Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has until Friday to accept or reject a $3 million player option.  —  Boston rejected its $5 million option and clearly signalled that Victor Martinez will be the starting catcher next season.

Money Worries Could Force Reds to Move All-Star Phillips, Others  —  Editor's Note: FanHouse's Jeff Fletcher contributed to this report  —  CHICAGO — The Reds' need to slash payroll, according to a major league source, could lead them to explore trading second baseman Brandon Phillips …

Branyan rejects Mariners' one-year offer  —  Slugger wants at least a two-year deal, hopes to be back  —  Free-agent first baseman Russell Branyan has rejected a one-year offer from the Mariners and though he still hopes to return to Seattle next season, he said he would rather test the market …

It's time for DH in the NL  —  AS AN AFFRONT to the natural order of the universe and the laws of man, the Designated Hitter Rule is up there with the national health-care bill, a legislative dose of castor oil about to be stuffed down our throats, hate it or despise it.

Rockies O'Dowd in no rush to make Hawpe trade  —  CHICAGO — The Rockies' outfield is crowded with talent.  The emergence of Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Seth Smith has made all-star Brad Hawpe expendable.  —  Maybe.  —  General manager Dan O'Dowd made it clear Tuesday …

Vin Scully on McCourts and other things  —  During the question-and-answer portion of the Newsmaker Luncheon, hosted by the Hollywood Radio & Television Society at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully addressed the situation between Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie McCourt.