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.