Source: Mets work out Brian Wilson  —  The Beard may be switching coasts.  —  Brian Wilson worked out privately for New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson on Saturday in California, a baseball source told ESPNNewYork.com.  —  Wilson, 30, underwent Tommy John surgery last April after two early season appearances.

Yankees likely to pass on Upton  —  On Jan. 13, 2012, the Yankees stunned the baseball industry by signing Hiroki Kuroda and acquiring Michael Pineda from Seattle.  —  On Jan. 13, 2013, the Yankees could send a similar thunderbolt with a trade for Arizona outfielder Justin Upton.

Pirates agree to terms with Karstens  —  The Pirates and right-handed pitcher Jeff Karstens have agreed to a one-year major league contract, according to a source.  —  Karstens, 30, was non-tendered by the club this offseason when the team acquired catcher Russell Martin.

Rizzo to play for Italy in World Baseball Classic  —  CHICAGO — Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.  —  The Classic rosters will be officially released on Thursday, but Rizzo confirmed on Monday that he will join the Italian team.

Izturis signed, camp invites  —  The Reds on Monday announced 15 Spring Training non-roster invites.  One of the more newsworthy is they signed veteran SS Cesar Izturis to a minor league deal.  —  Here is the full list: RHP Nick Christiani, LHP Wilkin De La Rosa, RHP Justin Freeman …

Dickey, Kimbrel, Pettitte set to pitch for USA  —  Some of the latest players to commit to playing for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic include the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, one of the game's most experienced left-handers and one of baseball's best young relievers.

Sources: Interpreters OK on mound  —  When the Texas Rangers decide this season that it's time to go to the mound to talk with Yu Darvish, the manager or pitching coach won't necessarily be trotting out there alone.  —  Baseball owners approved a rule change last week, several sources have told ESPN …

Bobby Valentine backs Mike Piazza, Pudge Rodriguez  —  Bobby Valentine does believe that “time will heal all wounds.  These guys have received a slap on the wrist, but I think eventually those who should be there will be there.”  —  Bobby Valentine managed both Pudge Rodriguez and Mike Piazza.

Diamondbacks To Extend J.J. Putz  —  The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign J.J. Putz to a one-year extension that will keep him in Arizona through 2014, the team announced via Twitter.  The LSW Baseball client will reportedly receive a $7MM salary in 2014.  —  Putz, who turns 36 next month …

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe) … When the Brewers were foundering in late July amid a bullpen crisis, GM Doug Melvin decided it was time to trade Zack Greinke, who had spurned overtures to sign a contract extension.  —  Melvin figured it best to recoup …

Baseball America ranks the Cardinals' top 10 prospects  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  TOWER GROVE  • The current issue of Baseball America arrived at my doorstep over the weekend, and a few pages before the magazine revealed its top 10 prospects …

2013 ZiPS Projections - Pittsburgh Pirates  —  Dan Szymborski's ZiPS projections, which have typically appeared in the pages of Baseball Think Factory, are being released at FanGraphs this year.  Below are the projections for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Szymborski can be found on Twitter at @DSzymborski.

Marlins Park will host ‘Winter Warm Up’ on Feb. 9, replacing Fanfest  —  The Marlins today released details of their annual promotional event where fans can buy individual game tickets and meet Marlins players.  —  Miami Marlins Winter Warm Up, which will replace the event that had been called Fanfest …