Bud Selig gives Fred Wilpon's ownership group a vote of confidence  —  ROSEMONT, Ill. — In light of obvious financial problems with the Marlins, and possibly the future of baseball in South Florida, commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday that he has no concerns about the Mets, who still are facing a cash crunch of their own.

Sources: Red Sox to talk extension for Pedroia … BOSTON — While Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington is optimistic about the club's unfinished offseason plans for free agency and the trade market, he also has some internal considerations brewing.

Brazil Upsets Host Panama In Qualifier Opener  —  Astros farmhand Murilo Gouvea retired the first 10 batters he faced, and Rays farmhand Leonardo Reginatto scored two of Brazil's runs and drove in a third as Brazil upset Panama 3-2 to open the World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament.

Buster Posey named NL MVP  —  NEW YORK — San Francisco's Buster Posey has been voted the NL Most Valuable Player after returning from a devastating leg injury and becoming the first catcher in 70 years to win the league's batting title.  —  Posey received 27 of 32 first-place votes …

Braves host free-agent outfielder Upton  —  ATLANTA — After reaching a two-year agreement with veteran backup catcher Gerald Laird on Thursday morning, Braves general manager Frank Wren spent Thursday afternoon and some of the early evening courting free-agent outfielder B.J. Upton.

Padres Acquire Ross For Parrino, Werner  —  The Padres announced that they acquired right-hander Tyson Ross and infielder A.J. Kirby-Jones from the A's for infielder Andy Parrino and left-hander Andrew Werner.  None of the four players have enough service time to be arbitration eligible.

It's the 2013 Hardball Times Baseball Annual  —  The Hardball Times Baseball Annual for 2013 is now yours for the purchasing.  This is something we do every year, just for the heck of it.  In fact, this is our ninth THT Annual, and we're trying a few new things this year.

Ricky Nolasco will pitch for Marlins in 2013, says team president  —  Marlins president David Samson took questions from callers today on The Dan LeBatard Show on 790 AM and unveiled one nugget - Ricky Nolasco will pitch for the Marlins in 2013.  —  LeBatard at one point asked Samson, “Will Ricky Nolasco be here next year?”

Broadway comes calling for Bronx Bombers  —  Annie, get your bat!  Soon they'll be the Broadway Bombers.  —  Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo announced Thursday that a theater project based on the Yankees has been commissioned.  The show will be created in collaboration with both the Yanks and Major League Baseball.