Joe Girardi faces many challenges to repeat  —  In less than two weeks, Joe Girardi will assemble his pitchers and catchers in Tampa and give a dress-rehearsal speech that'll be delivered to the full Yankee squad on Feb. 23.  That's the day the clubhouse will be closed …

Coke Helps Firefighters  —  Sugar Pine, CA - World Series pitcher Phil Coke is helping out firefighters in the Mother Lode.  —  Coke, a Tuolumne County native, will be greeting fans at the Mi Wuk/Sugar Pine fire station today (Saturday) and signing around 50 World Series baseballs, with proceeds going to the fire department.

Sources: Tigers, Braves interested in Damon  —  Fox Sports  —  It's not clear how many suitors are showing interest in Johnny Damon at the moment.  But the Tigers and Braves are definitely among the group, multiple major league sources told FOXSports.com late Friday.

It'll be Valentine's day before you know it  —  Bob Klapisch covers baseball for The Record in New Jersey and worked at the New York Post and New York Daily News.  The author of five books, he was recently voted a top-five columnist in the country by the Associated Press Sports Editors.

Nationals sign veteran lefty Estes  —  Hurler reportedly inked to Minor League deal  —  After picking up a new second baseman in Adam Kennedy on Friday, the Nationals have also signed veteran left-hander Shawn Estes to a Minor League contract, according to The Associated Press.

Sultan of Swat celebrates 115th birthday  —  Seventy-five years after retirement, Ruth's 17 records now four  —  The face of Major League Baseball for three quarters of a century is looking a little faint these days.  —  Babe Ruth's place in history is indelible, but not so his place in the record book.

Comeback for Pat Burrell may be key to Tampa Bay Rays' season  —  What single player is most key to the Rays' 2010 success?  —  There are lots of answers.  —  Assuming health, stars Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria and Carlos Peña are obviously all integral.

Millar: Chemistry not overrated  —  Kevin Millar will try to prove that he can win a spot on the Chicago Cubs roster as a right-handed hitter off the bench who can play the corner infield positions and the outfield.  —  But the character who helped the Boston Red Sox end their World Series drought …

Mariners Designate Yusmeiro Petit For Assignment  —  The Mariners have designated righty Yusmeiro Petit for assignment according to a team press release.  The move opens up a roster spot for the newly re-signed Erik Bedard.  —  The 25-year-old Petit was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks …

Galarraga ready to be Cabrera's mentor  —  Big Cat assisting in first baseman's recovery process  —  MARGARITA ISLAND, Venezuela — The Big Cat could be joining the Tigers soon.  —  Andres Galarraga will likely join Detroit during Spring Training to serve as a mentor to Miguel Cabrera …

Mariners bring back lefty Bedard  —  Veteran had 2009 season cut short due to injuries  —  Left-hander Erik Bedard has passed his physical and signed a one-year contract with the Mariners.  —  Bedard, who will turn 31 on March 5, had season-ending surgery (performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum) on his left shoulder on Aug. 14, 2009.

Phelps should add power to Sky Sox  —  First baseman Josh Phelps, outfielders Alex Escobar and Bronson Sardinha and right-hander Chris Gissell, who have agreed to terms on minor league contracts, will have the chance to make the Triple-A Colorado Springs roster in spring training.

Wellemeyer says he's considering Rockies; Colorado will watch Lowry  —  When I talked with GM Dan O'Dowd earlier this week, he said the club was done shopping, save for a few minor-league signings.  Todd Wellemeyer has emerged as one of those options, saying today on 1380 AM in St. Louis …