Sources: Tigers owner OKs two-year, $14M offer to Damon  —  Fox Sports  —  Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has authorized a two-year, $14 million offer to free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon, according to major-league sources.  —  Damon also is considering a one-year, $7 million proposal from the Tigers, one source said.

Mets Near Deal With Another Japanese Pitcher  —  Since 1997, when they signed an obscure reliever out of the Japanese minor leagues, the Mets have had more players from Japan than any other major league team.  That international connection remains strong to this day and now the Mets are close …

Glavine retires, takes job with Braves  —  Lefty accepts position as special assistant to team president  —  ATLANTA — Tom Glavine has officially ended his playing career and reunited with the Braves' organization.  —  The Braves have announced that Glavine has accepted the invitation …

Big Hurt decides to call it a career  —  Longtime White Sox star Thomas is 18th on home run list  —  The Big Hurt is calling it a career.  —  Longtime White Sox star slugger Frank Thomas, who is tied for 18th on the all-time Major League home run list with 521, told MLB.com on Thursday evening that he is officially retiring.

Four Reasons Teams Are Staying Away from Jermaine Dye  —  We would like to welcome Joe Pawlikowski to the FanGraphs team.  We don't hold his Yankee fandom against him, and neither should you.  —  When Jermaine Dye finally decides to call it a career, his post-baseball life will likely not include a job in sales.

A conversation with Jeter  —  I had a nice conversation with Derek Jeter after his workout Wednesday and there is a story on the website about it.  He declined to talk about his contract, which is obviously a hot topic and one that might linger through the season because the franchise icon's 10-year …

Giants, Lincecum still in negotiations  —  The Giants are taking their negotiations with Tim Lincecum down to the wire.  With an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday, the sides have discussed parameters for a multiyear contract.  —  A major-league source said the Giants have made a three-year …

Start him up: Farnsworth to get shot in KC  —  Righty has dialed down heat, added offspeed pitches  —  KANSAS CITY — Didn't like Kyle Farnsworth as a relief pitcher?  Hang on, he might be a starting pitcher for the Royals this year.  —  “Kyle Farnsworth is competing for a job in the rotation …

With elbow surgery behind him, Johan Santana looking ready for big season with Mets  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - I've been behind the plate, catching Johan Santana for perhaps 10 minutes, so far thrilled that nothing has escaped my glove, and grateful that only one pitch has confirmed my concern …

Big Ten making overtures to ... Texas  —  Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, right, celebrates a victory with head coach Mack Brown near the end of a 51-20 win against Kansas, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Austin.  —  A source with ties to the Big Ten said that while most people's attention …

Ask Alex: Will any players reach the 30/30 plateau in 2010?  —  We all have questions about the 2010 season and Alex Remington luckily has some answers.  The Stew's resident stats guru will address three per week as Opening Day approaches.  —  The Situation: Power and speed.  Yin and yang.

The Firstbase Situation  —  More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP  —  After signing Mike Jacobs to a minor-league contract, the Mets will enter Spring Training with 5 firstbaseman, who, if not exactly in a competition, all have some shot at the major league roster.

Mets Sign SS Rylan Sandoval Out of Arizona Winter League  —  San Luis Atleticos SS Will Leave for Spring Training on Monday  —  (Yuma, AZ.  February 10, 2010) The Arizona Winter League (AWL) announced today that shortstop Rylan Sandoval of the San Luis Atleticos has been signed …

Sources: Rick Pitino makes himself a candidate for Nets' coaching job  —  As snow swirled outside the Meadowlands on Wednesday night when the Nets played the Bucks, talk about Rick Pitino making overtures to the Nets about their coaching job circulated inside the arena.

Verlander reports Bonderman in fine form  —  Staff ace confident No. 4 starter taking big strides  —  DETROIT — Justin Verlander said the throws have life on them, more than he saw last year.  He talked about making adjustments, going back to the basics.  He's really excited about the progress.

Youk, Pap, Lester among early arrivals  —  While snow batters New England, players arrive in Florida  —  BOSTON — Throughout sunny Florida, there are early-bird specials which are especially appealing to senior citizens who don't like to drive after dark.