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 …

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.

Gordon gets an early gift from Royals  —  Receives $4.775 million pact on eve of 28th birthday  —  KANSAS CITY — Now Alex Gordon has something extra to celebrate Friday on his 28th birthday, a $4.775 million contract with the Royals for 2012.  —  “It was a great birthday present,” he said.

Wainwright wows with his best stuff  —  Image  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • It was only 30 pitches in February before a collection of 20 players and staff on Field 2 behind Roger Dean Stadium.  But it was also Adam Wainwright throwing effortlessly and with command — momentous stuff just two weeks …

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 …

Focus on Sport/Getty Images  —  An Open Letter to the Hall of Fame About Dwight Evans  —  The godfather of baseball statistics makes his case for why the Red Sox legend belongs in Cooperstown  —  I hope you understand that I would never sacrifice my reputation by arguing that a player belongs …

Figgins could return to form at leadoff  —  When Eric Wedge said the idea of removing Ichiro from the leadoff spot has “as much to do with his teammates as it has to do with him,” the Seattle Mariners manager might as well have screamed Chone Figgins' name.  —  Wedge has yet to commit …

11 bidders remain in running to buy Dodgers  —  The list includes the team of Magic Johnson and Stan Kasten, former owner Peter O'Malley, Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the pairing of Rick Caruso and Joe Torre.  —  Rams owner Stan Kroenke, a bidder for the Dodgers, addresses the media during …

Local baseball governing body bans Baltimore's scouts after controversial signing  —  The South Korean governing body of baseball has banned scouts from the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB) from attending local games, after the Orioles signed a teenage pitcher in a controversial move.

Hill rehab continues with bullpen session  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — One of the most encouraging signs for Red Sox fans today was watching lefty specialist Rich Hill throw a bullpen session for the second time since his Tommy John surgery.  —  Hill blew out his elbow on June 1 last season and had Tommy John surgery on June 9.

Just getting warmed up  —  Sure signs of spring down at Sox camp  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - It's impossible to beat WBZ's Jon Miller to spring training, but coming in second to the Boston media legend gives you some chest-thumping pride.  You see, we've all been a little eager to get to The Fort this year …

Law: Top 100 MLB prospects of 2012 (1-25)  —  Mike Trout and Bryce Harper come out on top for the second straight year

Alderson: ‘Big Fundraiser Tonight for Gas Money’  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Even Mets general manager Sandy Alderson can't resist pointing out the team's financial difficulties.  —  The team tweeted Thursday afternoon that Alderson had started a Twitter account (at)MetsGM.