Chavez doesn't mind utility role  —  (01-16) 19:33 PST — Kevin Kouzmanoff's arrival in Oakland means that Eric Chavez, a six-time Gold Glove third baseman, essentially will become a utility player if he is healthy.  —  “I've always been open to playing anywhere,” Chavez said.

Ex-big leaguer Jose Offerman detained after punching umpire in winter league game  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Former major league All-Star Jose Offerman threw a punch at an umpire during an argument in a Dominican winter league game Saturday night, the second time in 2&frac12 years …

Eric Byrnes says Giants would be ‘best fit’  —  (01-16) 19:34 PST — Though Eric Byrnes said he's finally 100 percent after two injury-marred seasons, the Diamondbacks gave up on him despite owing him $11 million next season.  He could sign with another team for the minimum salary …

Chicago Cubs plan massive restructuring of Wrigley Field  —  Wrigley 20-14 project includes major construction in and around park as part of ‘triangle building’  —  A 2005 sketch of a proposed Wrigley Field expansion project under Tribune Co. The Ricketts family wants to complete something similar by 2014.

Bug Selig targets small-market teams to spend revenue-sharing dollars on players  —  One can only imagine how painful it must have been last week for Bud Selig to tell his small-market brethren, Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and his stepson president David Samson, to pony up on the payroll …

Chicago White Sox agree to terms with closer Bobby Jenks and outfielder Carlos Quentin  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox on Saturday announced they have agreed to terms on one-year contracts with closer Bobby Jenks and outfielder Carlos Quentin.  —  According to a news release from the team …

What's next, Mo?  —  During the second of his standing-room-only sessions Saturday with fans at the Winter Warm-Up, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak fielded a question about how his college education prepared him for the job.  —  He explained it wasn't those business classes at the University of Colorado that did it.

Minor league deals signed  —  Jorge Sosa, who appeared in 18 games for the Washington Nationals last season, is among seven free agents signed to minor league contracts by the Red Sox and invited to spring training.  —  Along with lefthanded reliever Brian Shouse, whose name came to light this week …

Troy Tulowitzki at head of class  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  With all due respect to Evan Longoria, Justin Upton and Matt Wieters, the best young player in baseball right now is playing shortstop for the Colorado Rockies.  —  It's fair to say that Troy Tulowitzki …

Baseball Canada honours Justin Morneau on wall of fame at annual awards banquet  —  TORONTO — Justin Morneau's addition to Baseball Canada's Wall of Excellence alongside boyhood idol Larry Walker isn't the only reason he was feeling good Saturday.  —  The Minnesota Twins first baseman …

Mets Organizational Decision-Making Flow Chart ver. 1  —  The latest injury fiasco lends Mets fans another window into their team's front office.  Yet, the more I read, the less I understand, so I decided to write out a flowchart on pen and paper.  Below is my tentative understanding of how the front office makes decisions.