Yanks, Pirates talk about AJ; Raul, Eric wait  —  The Yankees and Pirates are continuing to talk about a possible A.J. Burnett trade that could lead to more activity in the form of a couple free-agent signings by the Yankees.  As of Thursday night, the teams were thought to be a few million apart …

The whistleblower returns: Noreen Harrington, once the star witness in a Spitzer crusade, testifies that the Mets owners knew about Madoff  —  Harrington gets a distinguished-alumnus award. adelphi.edu  —  For just over a year now, the evidence facing Fred Wilpon, Saul Katz …

Ozzie: Sox's Dunn had problems from Day 1  —  It didn't take long for Ozzie Guillen to know his new free agent slugger Adam Dunn was in store for a rough season.  —  In fact, the former Chicago White Sox manager didn't even need to see Dunn in a regular season at-bat to forecast trouble.

Cardinals Sign Dominican Righthander Andres Serrano For $750,000  —  The Cardinals have signed Dominican righthander Andres Serrano for $750,000, a deal that was agreed to in October and is still pending Major League Baseball's investigation into Serrano's age and identity.

Cards sign reliever Linebrink to Minors deal  —  The Cardinals' list of Spring Training non-roster invitees grew by one on Friday with the addition of Scott Linebrink, who signed a Minor League deal just eight days before pitchers and catchers are required to report to camp.

Stadium needs $5.7M upgrade  —  Staff recommends lease deal for Double-A team  —  The city should spend $5.7 million spiffing up the 20-year-old Ottawa Stadium on Coventry Road before leasing it to a relocated Double-A baseball team, city staff say.  —  After a bidding process for the rights …

Nieuwenhuis itching to prove his worth to Mets  —  Talented center-field prospect heading to spring camp early  —  NEW YORK — Imagine working a lifetime to reach the highest level of professional baseball, coming within a crow hop of making it, then suddenly and unexpectedly losing that foothold.

How the Rangers plan to transition Yu Darvish to the majors … The day after the Texas Rangers won the bidding for the negotiating rights to pitcher Yu Darvish, a shipment of major league baseballs was delivered to the righthander in Japan so that he could begin training with them immediately.

Dan O'Dowd motivated by changing Rockies' culture in offseason makeover  —  The words come quickly.  Without focus, it's hard to keep up with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd.  The same could be said for his offseason.  After a disappointing 73-89 record that left the Rockies closer …

Cubs 6-Game Packs feature Opening Day tix  —  CHICAGO — Want to be at Wrigley Field for Opening Day?  What about guaranteeing a seat for the Cubs' series against the Cardinals or White Sox?  —  You can take advantage of the Cubs 6-Game Pack, featuring tickets to Opening Day, April 5 …