Mark McGwire one of Tony La Russa's top pet projects  —  TONY LA RUSSA vowed Wednesday to put on a nice show.  —  He meant his Animal Rescue Foundation's 19th annual benefit gala Saturday night in Walnut Creek.  —  But he's as excited about another upcoming extravaganza …

DAWSON UP, BLYLEVEN ON DECK  —  Given Bert Blyleven's criticism of my assessment of his career for my Hall of Fame ballot, I want to be the first to congratulate him on his election a year from now.  How do I know Blyleven will be elected in 2011 when the 2010 ballots have hardly been counted?

Papelbon's recurring nightmare  —  Blown save to Angels that ended last season serves as motivation  —  Jonathan Papelbon hasn't forgotten the way his 2009 season ended, walking off the mound as a loser in October for the first time in his career.  —  “I got a copy of it,” he said …

Roundup: Selig proposes global series with Japan  —  TOKYO (AP) — The champions of U.S. Major League Baseball could face the champions of Japanese professional baseball in a regular Global World Series under a plan being discussed by the two countries.  —  In meetings with Japanese …

Another stealth pursuit for Red Sox?  —  The Red Sox, who maintained radio silence before signing free-agent pitcher John Lackey and were almost as circumspect in their pursuit of free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre before signing him, are conducting another stealth operation …

A few notes from Cashman  —  After the Hall of Fame announcement, I checked in with Brian Cashman.  The Yankees general manager confirmed a report that Sergio Mitre has avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year deal for next season.  Jerry Crasnick says it's worth $850,000.  It's a non-guaranteed deal.

Cust re-signs with A's  —  I just heard from a source close to the negotiations that DH Jack Cust will return to the A's on a one-year deal worth just over $2.5 million, with incentives that can push the total to close to $3 million.  —  So the A's will have at least some pop in their lineup next year …

Epstein: This offseason a bridge to future  —  Red Sox general manager sheds light on moves he made  —  BOSTON — For a couple of hours on Saturday, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein will put away his BlackBerry and take out his guitar at the 10th annual Hot Stove/Cool Music concert …

Confident Brandon Webb eyeing better times in 2010  —  Righty missed nearly all of last season, but is confident he'll be healthy again in '10  —  With all due respect to John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Rich Harden, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis, Doug Davis and Jon Garland, this will not go down as …

Hall and Beltre having physicals  —  New Sox acquisitions Billy Hall and Adrian Beltre are in Boston today having physicals.  It's expected one or both will be introduced at a press conference either later today or tomorrow.  —  The veteran Hall, who got into Boston late yesterday …

Top 10 prospects for 2010: Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers  —  Washington Nationals  —  1. Stephen Strasburg: Perhaps the best college pitcher of all time, Strasburg brings unheralded hype and ability to a Washington organization desperate for a shot in the arm.

Holy crap, Bob Klapisch  —  Sometimes I actually think people are a little too hard on Bob Klapisch.  He at least thinks differently than his hordes of mainstream media columnist brethren, and sometimes he stumbles upon an interesting idea.  And I think it's become sort …

Girardi's staff intact for Yanks' 2010 run  —  Coaches all set to return as club defends championship  —  NEW YORK — The coaching staff that helped Joe Girardi secure the Yankees' 27th World Series title will be back in the dugout for the 2010 season.  —  New York announced on Wednesday …