Rockies trade Olivo to Jays  —  Miguel Olivo is a former Rockie.  With little time to spare, they traded him to the Blue Jays for a player to be named later.  —  “I am little disappointed.  I was looking forward to playing in Colorado again.  I love my teammates and the fans and Denver were great.

Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels under investigation allegedly for betting on baseball, theft  —  Mets clubhouse manager Charlie Samuels is under investigation by the NYPD and the Queens District Attorney's office allegedly for betting on baseball and other sports as part of an organized gambling ring …

Epstein: Ortiz ‘cool’ with extension  —  Just got off a conference call with Theo Epstein.  —  The basics: They talked about a multi-year deal to no avail.  Ortiz is happy with the extension and told Theo directly that he is “cool.”  —  Epstein said talks are ongoing with the other free agents …

Jesus Montero will get chance to win starting catching job, Jorge Posada will slide in as Yankees DH  —  Back in July, the Yankees were willing to deal Jesus Montero for Cliff Lee.  When the 2011 season starts, Montero could be catching Lee in the Bronx.  —  The consensus among …

So long, Sparky  —  As many out there in reader-land likely already know, Sparky Anderson - Hall of Fame manager - recently died, due to complications from dementia.  I feel obligated to say something about Anderson having written a book on baseball managers that covers Anderson (among others).

Sandy Alderson to Interview Wally Backman on Saturday  —  Chris  —  YEAH, Go get Wally!  —  Mr. Seaver  —  Maybe he's in town anyway, and wants to show respect.  Why not?

Giants Decline to Exercise Renteria's Option  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The champion San Francisco Giants declined to exercise their $9.5 million option on World Series MVP Edgar Renteria on Thursday, instead paying him a $500,000 buyout.  —  It's no surprise because the 34-year-old Renteria …

Hurdle interviews to become Pirates' skipper  —  PITTSBURGH — The Pirates formerly interviewed Clint Hurdle for the club's managerial opening on Thursday, marking the first interview conducted by the organization since Oct. 14.  It could also be the last.  —  Hurdle, a former Rockies manager …

Parades, Confetti, and a Long-Awaited Release  —  One of my earliest memories as a kid is my first Giants game at the age of four.  It was a day game at Candlestick Park, and the Giants lost to the Pirates.  I remember asking my Dad all manner of Giants-related questions over the course of the game.

New GM Towers fields questions from fans  —  As part of the D-backs monthly chat series, Kevin Towers participated in his first chat as D-backs general manager.  He answered questions from fans about new hitting coach Don Baylor, D-backs prospects in the Arizona Fall League …

Bruce, Perez, And Others Get Super Two Status  —  Twenty players including Reds right fielder Jay Bruce and Indians pitcher Chris Perez have qualified for Super Two status, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of CBSSports.com.  Evan Longoria has also made the cutoff but will not reap the benefits …

Scott Podsednik turns down option with Dodgers  —  He still can re-sign with the team, but Dodgers might prefer a cheaper alternative in left field.  Jay Gibbons signs a one-year deal.  —  Scott Podsednik has opted for free agency instead of exercising his half of a mutual option for 2011 …