Hal: “189 is a real number, and we're going to be shooting for it”  —  Ever since the new CBA was announced, there has been plenty written and said about the Yankees desire to get below the $189-million luxury tax threshold in two years.  This morning, Hal Steinbrenner confirmed all of those stories …

No hard deadline for MLB expanded playoffs  —  Negotiators for baseball players and owners say there is no set deadline for an agreement to expand the playoffs to 10 teams this season.  —  The sides have said for weeks a deal is likely.  When players and owners signed their agreement …

Can Dodgers' Kershaw win 300 games?  —  SURPRISE, ARIZ.  —  The 2002 Braves were the most recent team with the rarest of attributes — two eventual 300-game winners on the same pitching staff: Greg Maddux, who reached the milestone two years later, and Tom Glavine, who followed in 2007.

Pirates' pitcher A.J. Burnett to undergo surgery for orbital fracture … PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a fractured right orbital bone.  —  The right-hander injured himself on Wednesday at the team's spring training facilities in Bradenton …

Jason Aldean works out with Braves  —  KISSIMMEE, FLA. (AP)  —  Jason Aldean circled the bases, touched home plate and collapsed next to the batting cage, pulling his cap over his face.  —  “After lunch, let's come back and do it again,” Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez joked.

Indians OF Grady Sizemore to miss 8-12 weeks  —  CLEVELAND - Grady Sizemore will start the season in a familiar spot - on the disabled list.  —  The oft-injured Cleveland Indians outfielder is expected to miss eight to 12 weeks with a back injury, the latest medical setback for a three …

Mariners Sign Lefty Alexandre Roy From France  —  The Mariners have been one of the leaders in signing European prospects, and now they can add a French lefthander to their collection of international farmhands with their recent signing of Alexandre Roy, a 16-year-old from Rouen, France.

Cards sign Molina to five-year, $75M extension  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract with four-time Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina.  —  The team announced the details Thursday.  The contract begins next year and will keep Molina in St. Louis through the 2017 season.

Looks like a one-year contract for Buster Posey  —  I just had a brief chat with Buster Posey's agent, Jeff Berry, who told me he has not heard from the Giants about a 2012 contract for Buster Posey, and both sides have indicated to me they are not expecting discussions about a multiyear deal.

Victorino looking forward to a new deal  —  Veteran center fielder hoping for five-year contract with Phils  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Shane Victorino walked across Mike Schmidt Field on Thursday morning at Carpenter Complex, turning his head occasionally to chirp at Cole Hamels, who had just finished running on another field.

Broadcaster Rankings (TV): #10 - #1  —  Beginning in late November, we've spent much of the offseason asking readers to rate the television broadcast teams (on a scale of 1-5 for charisma, analysis, and then overall) for all 30 major-league clubs — with the intention, ultimately …

Aceves, Bard start strong for Sox  —  FORT MYERS — Quick update from Hammond Stadium, where the Red Sox [team stats] and Twins are playing a B-game:  —  Alfredo Aceves, competing for a spot in the starting rotation, allowed one run on two hits in the first inning and finished strong with a strikeout of Brian Dinkelman.