Mets/Reds Talk, Bay May Cost Six Years, More  —  As I Tweeted last night, Sources indicate that the New York Mets may have to guarantee as many as six years in order to land free agent Jason Bay.  —  Though the Daily News reported today that Mets are “don't want to bid against themselves …

Sources: Orioles jump into Holliday sweepstakes  —  The Cardinals are not the only team pursuing free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday.  —  The Orioles have jumped into the bidding, though both the seriousness of their efforts and Holliday's desire to play in Baltimore are in question, major-league sources say.

Curtis Granderson will wear No. 14; Alex Rodriguez will not need more surgery; NY Yankees at odds with Johnny Damon over money … NEW YORK — Curtis Granderson was formally introduced as a member of the Yankees Thursday, a little more than a week after coming over in a trade from the Detroit Tigers.

Yankees move closer to DH deal with Johnson  —  The Yankees and Nick Johnson are moving toward a one-year deal for the left-handed hitter to be the club's DH, and it could be announced Friday morning.  —  Asked today by The Post if there was deal to be announced, Brian Cashman said, “Not at this moment.”

One more name linked to Mariners: Johnny Damon  —  Programming note: I have to get some serious work done today on an Olympics story that will run in Sunday's paper.  Yes, Olympics.  They're coming up rapidly, and they're practically in our backyard (Vancouver, B.C.), so it's all hands on deck.

Organizational report: Padres spending their money wisely  —  When Jed Hoyer was an assistant under Theo Epstein, the Boston Red Sox general manager used to tell him to operate as if he were working for a small-market team, even though Boston typically has one of the largest payrolls in baseball.

Aroldis Chapman awaits offers  —  On the surface, Aroldis Chapman's 30-minute workout on Tuesday for about 15 teams appeared to have accomplished very little.  Because of bad weather, the workout took place indoors at the Baseball USA complex in Houston.  Chapman wore sneakers for his bullpen session.

Dodgers exploring a deal for Aaron Harang  —  The Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Aaron Harang, according to multiple baseball sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.

Bucs GM discusses pitching, prospects and more  —  General manager Neal Huntington participated in an exclusive online chat with fans on Thursday.  During the chat, Huntington answered questions about the starting rotation and bullpen, Pittsburgh's top prospects, his decision-making process and more.

The Second Base Glut  —  Last year, bad defensive outfielders got a rude awakening in free agency, as Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell, and Bobby Abreu learned first hand that teams were beginning to value defense at positions besides catcher and shortstop.  There were too many lumbering sluggers available …

2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year: Mariano Rivera, Yankees closer  —  It was a long time coming, but Mariano Rivera finally has his fifth ring.  —  On a team full of superstars, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera went about his usual way in 2009, dominating opponents and helping New York claim its 27th World Series.

Make it Raines  —  This is going to be about Tim Raines ... but we're going to start with Bill James.  People, of course, have many different opinions about Bill James.  And because Bill is both a friend and a hero of mine, I admit to being hopelessly biased on the subject.

Morning links: Clement's job to lose  —  Although the development that the Pirates are eyeing Kelly Johnson hardly is seismic, it does raise this possibility that some might find noteworthy: No matter who the Pirates get — if anyone — for that right field/first base role, it might be no more than a safety valve.