Some surprises among this winter's free-agent winners and losers … Heading into the 2009-10 free-agent market, the conventional wisdom was that the three big stars in their prime would get big bucks, and that the vast majority of players in the middle and lower ranks would mostly struggle to land a decent contract.

Source says Braves made offer to Damon  —  As Spring Training nears, there's more reason to wonder if Johnny Damon will eventually accept what the Braves are willing to offer.  But for now, insiders still feel like the veteran outfielder will end up signing elsewhere.

Jeter's pride makes next pact tough  —  The biggest drama of the Yankees' 2007-08 offseason played out publicly and messily with the divorce of Joe Torre.  —  Joe Girardi took over and Brian Cashman felt it was improper to drop another longrunning drama onto the to-do list of a new manager …

Free agent Washburn awaits ‘right offer’  —  Former Mariners southpaw's options include retirement  —  Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn said Wednesday that he is waiting for the “right offer,” is in no hurry to sign a new contract and retiring is an option.  —  “I've never liked Spring Training anyway,” he laughed.

For Sox, Central planning starts with Peavy  —  A couple of weeks ago, Chicago White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper mentioned to Jake Peavy that he was in the process of mapping out the starting rotation, and picking the starter for Opening Day.  Not long after, Peavy phoned Cooper and told …

Carlos Delgado will consider retirement if no adequate offers for 2010 materialize  —  Former New York Mets cleanup hitter Carlos Delgado will consider retirement if he does not receive an adequate offer to play next season, Puerto Rico newspaper Primera Hora reported Wednesday.

Yankees nix the ‘Joba Rules’, but no word yet as to where ace Joba Chamberlain fits in rotation  —  TAMPA - The training wheels are officially off Joba Chamberlain, the “Joba Rules” just a slogan rather than a strict plan to limit the Yankee pitcher's innings.

Vick: I ‘settled for mediocrity’ with Falcons  —  A contrite Michael Vick told an Atlanta radio station Wednesday he wishes he had been more dedicated to his craft while quarterbacking the Falcons.  —  It was one of many regrets Vick expressed in the interview with 790 AM The Zone.

With ‘things on table,’ in-shape slugger hasn't heard from Mets  —  Gary Sheffield says his 41-year-old body is ready for the rigors of a 22nd major-league season.  Now it's just a matter of deciding if he wants to do it.  —  “There are things on the table that I have to accept or not accept …

Marlins Announce 2010 Spring Training Broadcast Schedule  —  MIAMI, -The Florida Marlins announced their 2010 Spring Training broadcast schedule.  A total of 15 Spring Training games will air on 790 The Ticket (WAXY 790 AM) and the Florida Marlins Radio Network.

Brewers Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Two-Star Prospects  —  Four More:  —  12. Mark Rogers, RHP: Rogers' stuff was outstanding after missing two years due to shoulder problems, but can he pitch more than three innings every five days?

In these negotiations, who will be the Victor?  —  This year, the role of Jason Bay will be played by Victor Martinez, yet another midseason acquisition now entering the final year of his contract.  By all indications, the Red Sox need him.  And yet, there is simply no way to predict which way this will go.

Mets' Daniel Murphy gets help at first base from veteran Keith Hernandez at spring training  —  Keith Hernandez won 11 straight Gold Gloves at first base during his playing career.  And now Hernandez's expertise isn't being limited to television commentary about the first-base foibles of players such as Mike Piazza and Carlos Delgado.