Contract Talks  —  Tampa, FL (WFAN) — So did you really expect Derek Jeter to say anything inflammatory?  Jeter rarely shares any insight on the next day's game.  What do you think he's going to do when he's asked questions about eight months from now?  —  We all know that Derek Jeter will get his money.

Crawford, Rays table contract talks until end of season  —  Unable to reach a deal now, the Rays and Carl Crawford have decided to table any further negotiations on a new contract until after the season.  —  “We had an opportunity to exchange ideas with the club about a contract extension …

Red Sox provide first look at new spring training complex  —  The view from the first base sideline.  Renderings provided by Populous/Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects, Inc.  —  Preliminary architectural renderings of the new Red Sox spring training complex in Fort Myers were released today.

With Sox' success comes higher expectations  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — The New York Yankees are famously held to the highest standard in baseball, that of “World Series or bust.”  The perception is that every season that does not end in a World Series trophy is considered a failure by the Steinbrenner family.

Much has changed for A-Rod in a year  —  Now a champ, third baseman focused on replicating success  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Sitting in the same tent in which he admitted his use of performance-enhancing substances last spring, Alex Rodriguez reflected Thursday on his new status as a World Series champion.

Mets' Francoeur says he'll hit 27 home runs this season  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Jeff Francoeur is baseball's 5-hour Energy drink.  And when he's swinging the bat well he's the perfect pick-me-up for the Mets.  —  “He's the definition of an optimist,” David Wright said yesterday on the eve …

New York Mets invite Dwight Gooden to be spring training advisor  —  The Mets are paging Doctor K.  —  Dwight Gooden, whose demons branded him as a club pariah, Wednesday told the Daily News that the Amazin's had invited him to be a spring training adviser.

Curtis Granderson tries to keep eyes on the ball, will wear contacts with New York Yankees  —  TAMPA - Curtis Granderson's struggles against lefthanders last year have been well-documented, as have his late-season problems with judging fly balls.  —  Granderson won't assign blame for either issue …

Prospectus Hit and Run  —  Call it True Average  —  If you've followed us at Baseball Prospectus for any length of time, you're probably familiar with Equivalent Average, or EqA, one of our signature hitting stats.  If you're not, here's the skinny: it's the expression of how many runs …

The New BP Fantasy  —  As many of you know, I have been hinting for a few weeks about some changes to the fantasy baseball coverage here at Baseball Prospectus.  I had to wait until everything was in order before I could share with you, but after receiving the okay, I'm here to announce …

Francona breaks down the workout  —  Terry Francona finished his daily press briefing a little while ago.  He was in a bit of a hurry because he had a meeting with Bob Watson of Major League Baseball.  —  But we did cull a little information out of the manager:

Cleveland Indians sign Russell Branyan; he'll start at first base (with video) … GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Indians have a new first baseman.  He's part of their past and part of their present.  Introducing Russell Branyan.  —  Branyan's one-year, $2 million deal became official Wednesday after he passed a physical Tuesday.

DIPS, BABIP and Common Sense  —  When Eric Seidman and I unveiled SIERA, a little Googling showed that there were three big debates that broke out on the internet.  Firstly, sabermetricians debated its validity and value.  Secondly, readers debated whether they wanted to see how the sausage …

Texas Rangers void contract of infielder Khalil Greene  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers voided the contract of utility infielder Khalil Greene on Thursday.  —  Greene wasn't able to report to spring training because of a “recurrence of issues he's dealt with in the past,” …

Video: Chapman throws live BP  —  No video display?  Check the video tab.  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Aroldis Chapman impressed in his first live batting practice session on Wednesday.  —  Chapman faced Chris Burke, Chris Heisey, Chris Valaika, Corky Miller and Yonder Alonso.  Wilkin Castillo caught for Chapman.

How many more wins will a healthy Beltran and Reyes bring Mets?  —  We all have questions about the 2010 season and Alex Remington luckily has some answers.  The Stew's resident stats guru will address a few per week as Opening Day approaches.  —  The Situation: Last year was the Mets' worst-case scenario …