Appearing on CNN’s “Larry King Live”, Joe Torre answers questions concerning the inflammatory excerpts of his book, The Yankee Years, which caused a firestorm of reaction from former players and fans after they were released last week. The Dodgers skipper, who managed the Bronx Bombers for a dozen seasons, tells the host he believes the controversy will die down and people will cool down after they get a chance to read the actual book.

Jon Garland agrees to a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks worth at least $7.25 million. The 29 year-old right-hander, who will fill Randy Johnson’s spot as a starter, joins a strong Arizona rotation, which includes Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Max Scherzer, and Doug Davis.

Jason Varitek reaches a preliminary agreement with the Red Sox for a reported guaranteed $5 million, one year contract which includes options for the 2010 season. The team’s catcher and captain, a 12-year veteran, accepts much less than he would have made had he taken the team’s arbitration offer made in December.

The Mets avoid salary arbitration with John Maine (10-8, 4.18) when both sides agree to a $2.6 million, one-year deal. The 25 year-old right-handed starter, who missed the last five weeks of the season due to an injury to his pitching shoulder, is expected to play a major role this year in the team’s pitching rotation.

2009 – The Tigres de Aragua take their fifth title in six Venezuelan League seasons, topping the Leones del Caracas, 4 games to 3, in the finals despite a worse record in the regular season and in the playoffs. Victor Moreno improves to 4-0, 0.77 in the postseason, getting the victory in relief of Jeff Farnsworth. 3B Matt Tolbert’s three-run homer is a key blow in the 7 – 3 victory.

The Royals and Zack Greinke, avoiding salary arbitration, agree to a $38 million, four-year contract. The 25 year-old right-hander, grateful to the club for their understanding of his social disorder which caused him to bolt from spring training two years ago, posted a 13-10 record last season with the best ERA (3.47) by a Kansas City starter in 11 years.

Erik Bedard, avoiding salary arbitration, signs a $7.75 million, one-year contract with the Mariners. The deal gives the left-hander, the team’s Opening Day starter who was obtained last season from Baltimore, a raise of $750,000 from last season.

“​Nine years ago you welcomed me into your community. You greeted me as a name and embraced me as a person, and I leave you now as a friend.” – ROCCO BALDELLI, thanking Tampa Bay fans in an open letter for their support during his time with the Rays. Rocco Baldelli, traded to the Red Sox in the offseason, takes out an ad in the St. Petersburg Times to show his appreciation of the support given to him by the Rays fans during his five years with the franchise. In an open letter, the outfielder writes,”I will always think of the Tampa Bay area as my second home, and I would like to thank everyone for accepting me and for making my time here as enjoyable as it was”.

In an effort to increase attendance, Washington reduces individual ticket prices on 14,000 seats and does not raise prices on any of the 41,888 seats at Nationals Park. The club ranked a disappointing 13th place in attendance in the 16-team National League circuit despite the debut of a brand new stadium in the nation’s capital.