Top man is on top of the world  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - This is their ninth season running the Red Sox.  They have won two world championships, rebuilt Fenway Park, triggered a 550-game sellout streak, and made “Red Sox” a global brand.  —  But just as the giant tower in the Back Bay will always be the …

A-Rod reached out, offered Damon advice  —  Third baseman no stranger to dramatic of free agency  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Perhaps more than anyone, Alex Rodriguez wanted Johnny Damon back in the Bronx.  —  Rodriguez, speaking publicly Thursday for the first time this spring …

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 …

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,” …

Scioscia: Players deal with distractions  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Angels general manager Tony Reagins and manager Mike Scioscia say it's not their place to become involved in players' personal financial matters.  —  The issue came up Thursday when ESPN.com reported that Rodney Fernandez …

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.

Kevin Youkilis has no love for glove ratings  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  FORT MYERS - Kevin Youkilis [stats] is as old-school as Ty Cobb sliding into third, so it comes as no surprise that he has little use for the statistical revolution transforming the game.

The Next Step  —  Let me start theoretical.  I wonder why prospect lists run in order of career potential.  In my view, prospects are valuable because they provide Major League Baseball's best bargain.  Find a player ready to contribute from Year One to Year Seven, and the return on investment is ridiculous.

MLB Sees a Record $6.6 Billion in Revenues for 2009  —  The economy has taken a bite out of evey sports league this past year, but for Major League Baseball, they were able to actually see revenues increase in 2009.  —  The league reports that gross revenues were $6.6 billion for 2009, a record figure for the league.

Nats sign Mexican League hurler Martin  —  Future setup man likely to open 2010 season in Minors  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals continue to prepare for the future, purchasing the contract of right-hander Rafael Martin from Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League, according to a baseball source.

Anthopoulos eyes international talent  —  Jays' general manager expands on his long-term vision  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — Alex Anthopoulos stepped out of the batting tunnel at the Bobby Mattick Training Center on Thursday morning, wearing a sweater under a light jacket with his hands firmly in his pockets.

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.