Bailey captures AL rookie award  —  Righty reliever recorded 26 saves to go with 1.84 ERA  —  OAKLAND — A's right-hander Andrew Bailey's rise from Minor League obscurity to Major League limelight turned historic Monday when he was named the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year.

Minor League Free Agents  —  When we talk abut a player's value above replacement level, such as referring to stats like WAR, one of the questions that commonly arises is who these mythical replacement level players are.  The best example of freely available talent - guys who can be had for nothing …

Twins unveil new unis for 2010  —  New road, throwback digs set for Target Field's first year  —  MINNEAPOLIS — When the Minnesota Twins open the 2010 season at Target Field, they'll do so in new uniforms paying tribute to Minnesota ballclubs of old.  —  The Twins unveiled two new jerseys Monday …

Book excerpt: “Evaluating Baseball's Managers”—Billy Martin  —  For the next few weeks, THT will publish excerpts from Evaluating Baseball's Managers, 1876-2008, which is scheduled for release in December, but can be ordered now.  For a limited time, if you order it now you will get at no additional charge—new book smell!

Greinke's performance may be AL Cy-worthy  —  KC ace shy on wins, but could have resume to top CC, others  —  A baseball season is like a garden, with stories blooming all over.  But 2009 had no better, more inspiring or jaw-dropping story than the slim, blond right-hander who …

Cashman: Yanks won't dive right into free-agent pool  —  The Yankees' GM said he will be more deliberate this year with free agency than he was last offseason.  —  The moment free agency began  —  last offseason, Brian Cashman was off to the races, immediately dialing up CC Sabathia.

New York Mets eye durable free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro  —  The Mets, in search of an innings-eater to stabilize their rotation, are particularly intrigued by free-agent righthander Joel Pineiro, according to a team insider.  —  Pineiro, 31, had 15 wins with the Cardinals in 2009 …

Angels GM says focus is not on outfielder Matt Holliday  —  Tony Reagins says re-signing John Lackey and Chone Figgins remain the top priorities.  Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver are also still in play.  —  Free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 RBI …

Pedro wants to pitch in 2010  —  Right-hander aims to be with a club in Spring Training  —  Pedro Martinez enjoyed another whirlwind trip through October baseball so much that he's primed to chase the World Series dream again in 2010.  —  This time, however, Martinez intends to start in Spring Training.

Japanese pitcher Takahashi eyes Majors  —  Left-hander declares free agency after 10 years with Yomiuri  —  Left-handed pitcher Hisanori Takahashi, who recently completed his 10th season with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan, declared free agency on Tuesday and said that he wants to play in the Major Leagues.

Finding Bruntlett's Replacement  —  The Phillies have bigger fish to fry than finding Eric Bruntlett's replacement as the team's utility player — they're looking hard for a third baseman and bullpen help — but it certainly has its importance.  It's especially important because they have nobody …

Big Unit is last Giant to file for free agency  —  GM Sabean says big three likely will hit open market  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Randy Johnson left open the possibility of returning for a 22nd Major League season by filing for free agency Monday.  —  This marks the second consecutive offseason …

BACKMAN TO MANAGE BROOKLYN CYCLONES  —  Former New York Mets star Wally Backman has been named the newest manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones, tabbed to lead the club in its tenth season of play.  —  Backman was a standout second baseman for the Mets in the 1980s - a gritty …