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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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,” …

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.

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 …

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:

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.

Gebhard OK after heart attack  —  D-backs' special asst. to GM has successful surgery  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Former Major League general manager Bob Gebhard suffered a mild heart attack on Wednesday and underwent successful surgery on Thursday at Northwest Medical Center.

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 …

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.

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.