In Memoir, Mike Piazza Spins Tales and Denies Using Steroids  —  As balloting for the Baseball Hall of Fame geared up earlier this winter, rumors began to circulate about why the release of Mike Piazza's book was being pushed back to February, a month after the voting would be concluded and the final results tabulated.

Why Mets Can Win This Year (Seriously)  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.—The Mets won 74 games last year, their splashiest off-season move involved trading the reigning Cy Young winner for prospects and they play in perhaps baseball's strongest division.  This doesn't look like an organization that expects to seriously compete in 2013.

Although offseason has bore little fruit for Yankees and NY Mets, these teams have plenty of talent to check out during Spring Training  —  In the Yankees' case there is sufficient evidence that they've regressed.  As for the Mets, GM Sandy Alderson had dual handicaps …

Bryce Brentz suffered injury in gun accident (updated)  —  Red Sox prospect Bryce Brentz explained by phone that his absence from big league camp in spring training is due to an injury that he sustained due to an accidental discharge of a gun he was cleaning.

MLB's complicated PED situation  —  Buster Olney is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine.  He began covering baseball in 1989, as the Nashville Banner's beat reporter assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.  Later, he covered the San Diego Padres (1993-94), the Baltimore Orioles ('95-96) …

Mets still hopeful about Bourn, MLB and MLBPA not in talks about draft pick issue  —  The Mets remain interested in signing free-agent OF Michael Bourn and are hopeful he would sign with them, according to Andy Martino of the Daily News.  —  However, Martino says the league and the players association …

David Prouty steps up for MLB Players Association  —  The inspiration of Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Michael Weiner is felt by anyone who works in his office.  It is certainly not lost on David Prouty, who will assume part of Weiner's duties for one of the most powerful unions in the country.

Jason Giambi signs minor-league deal with Indians  —  Jason Giambi, shown here at Rockies' spring training last year, is nearing minor-league deal with Indians.  Giambi, 42, spent three-plus seasons with the Rockies.  —  Jason Giambi's winter in wonderland has reached an interesting conclusion.

Orioles near multi-year extension with O'Day  —  The Orioles reached agreements with pitchers Jim Johnson and Jason Hammel on one-year contracts earlier tonight, and they're close to a multi-year extension with reliever Darren O'Day, according to industry sources.  —  The deal is “all but done,” according to one source.

Kap: Mark Prior wants one more shot  —  Former Cubs star Mark Prior, who has battled injuries since his breakout 2003 season is looking to give baseball one more try.  —  Sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to me that Prior is working out in San Diego with the express purpose …

Leaner Lynn turns heads at Cards camp  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Cardinals righthander Lance Lynn, who was challenged and helped by the club to improve his fitness level during the offseason, arrived at the team's complex Friday …