Alex Rodriguez chokes up when accepting writers' playoffs MVP award  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez looked at the award he just received from Babe Ruth's granddaughter with big eyes and a broad grin.  It was as if he almost couldn't believe it was his.  —  “Postseason MVP.  Wow,” Rodriguez said Saturday night.

Texas Rangers  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Nutting: Pirates' payroll to rise as roster matures  —  Says $75M range of Brewers, Reds is ‘where Pittsburgh needs to be’  —  SEVEN SPRINGS, Pa. — A year ago, at the opening of the Pirates' Winter Caravan promotional tour here, the franchise's controlling owner, Bob Nutting …

Back in PSL  —  Welcome back to Port St. Lucie.  The Mets are holding a three-day minicamp beginning today, although it will be sparsely attended.  Oliver Perez and Daniel Murphy have arrived, but John Maine canceled because of the weather, according to Jay Horwitz.

Byrdak, Astros agree on one-year deal  —  Wandy remains last arbitration-eligible player on club  —  HOUSTON — The Astros have just one arbitration-eligible player remaining after reaching a one-year deal Sunday with left-hander Tim Byrdak for $1.6 million, which was the midpoint between the club's offer and the player's number.

All Set: Ruiz Agrees to 3-year Contract Extension  —  Carlos Ruiz is about to get a nice birthday present.  —  The Phillies' catcher, who turned 31 on Friday, has agreed on a three-year contract extension for close to $9 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Baseball to Orlando?  One Team Laughs Out Loud  —  It didn't take long for the Milwaukee Brewers to rebuff a story by WFTV-TV in Orlando that the team could possibly relocate to Florida.  —  “The reporter or whoever else is putting that out there should do his homework,” said Tyler Barnes, VP of Communications for the Brewers.

Ollie says he's ready to go  —  Oliver Perez, who underwent Sept. 1 surgery to remove scar tissue from his right knee, pronounced himself fit.  Literally.  —  Perez spoke about how he's relocated to Arizona as his offseason home.  At the Mets' request, he trained all winter at Fischer Sports …

Protection has become part of the package  —  Jason Bay, in his short time here, seemed to be a nice guy.  His demeanor and his performance reminded me of Nick Esasky, who in one year (1989) with the Red Sox hit 30 homers, drove in 108 runs, and batted .277 while playing a decent first base.

Tampa Bay Rays prospect Andrew Bellatti involved in fatal car crash in California  —  Rays minor-leaguer Andrew Bellatti was the driver in a California car crash that killed a 50-year-old man and injured two others.  —  Bellatti, a 2009 draftee who pitched in the Gulf Coast League …

On Overreaction: What We Scream About When We Scream About Gary Matthews Jr.  —  Gerard noted the Mets' acquisition of extravagantly well-compensated journeyman Gary Matthews Jr. when it happened last week, and the two bemused grafs he gave it almost certainly qualified as giving this ultra-minor trade its due.

Unconfirmed Report: Yanks inquired about Nelson Cruz  —  Via Frankie Piliere of AOL FanHouse, the Yankees are exploring trade options for left field, and one player they may have asked about is Rangers' outfielder Nelson Cruz.  Piliere makes it clear that this is an unconfirmed report, so make sure you take it with a big grain of salt.

Cubs Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Four More:  —  12. Chris Huseby, RHP: All but written-off, Huseby is a seven-figure signing from the 2006 draft.  He shined out of the Low-A Peoria bullpen, showing a big-league quality sinker.