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 …

Rangers release shortstop Greene  —  Veteran infielder dealing with social anxiety disorder  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers have voided the contract of infielder Khalil Greene, who is dealing with personal issues regarding social anxiety disorder and did not report to camp.

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.

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.

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.

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: