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	Mariano Rivera said, "You never know" in response to being the Red Sox' closer next year. John Iacono/SI

Mariano Rivera a Red Sox? It could happen. Sitting in his car outside Legends Field yesterday, Rivera was asked by The Post if he could be Boston's closer next year.

"You never know," said Rivera, who is determined to become a free agent.
-- New York Post

If George Steinbrenner, who has stepped back but will make the call on Joe Torre's pinstriped future, doesn't bring him back, the Boss runs the risk of Torre landing in the Red Sox's dugout.
-- New York Post

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has nothing but respect for Mariano Rivera, but that doesn't mean he's planning to give the future Hall of Famer a contract extension before the end of the season.
-- New York Daily News

Last week, Barry Bonds' name was listed on the Giants' 40-man roster on the team's official Web site. After inquiries from The Chronicle, it was removed, a case of the site editors getting a bit ahead of the news. Technically, even if Bonds signs, he does not have to arrive before a mandatory reporting date around March 1, and as one team employee said, "Maybe it would be better if he came a week later because he gets so bored at spring training."
-- San Francisco Chronicle

The Cubs aren't too worried Carlos Zambrano will carry through on his threat to walk after the season if he doesn't get a new deal by Opening Day.
-- Chicago Tribune

With Twins catcher Joe Mauer signed through 2010 for $33 million, first baseman Justin Morneau, who has agreed to a $4.5 million deal for this season, remains amenable to discuss a multiyear contract, his agent, Mark Pieper, said Monday. Morneau has not turned down a deal similar to the one Mauer received, as reported elsewhere.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Not only will Mark Buehrle's streak of five consecutive Opening Day starts end on April 2, but as it sits right now he has slipped to the No. 3 spot in the starting rotation. Ozzie Guillen wanted to reward Jose Contreras and Jon Garland for what they've accomplished since the second half of the 2005 season.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

Jon Lieber has been the subject of trade speculation since the Phillies acquired Freddy Garcia from the White Sox. It is assumed that if the Phillies trade Lieber, they will get bullpen help in return because they aren't entirely comfortable with the relievers in front of closer Tom Gordon. General manager Pat Gillick wants a reliable option if Gordon misses time again with an injury.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

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