Manny Ramirez’s agent and Dodgers’ Ned Colletti are still talking. Manny Ramirez still doesn’t have a new offer from the Dodgers, but General Manager Ned Colletti said he and Scott Boras, the player’s agent, are still talking. They have been since Friday. “We still have differences on what we think, but we’re still talking,” Colletti said. — LA Times

Red Sox going after John Smoltz?. John Smoltz remains the Red Sox top target, essentially filling the role of Bartolo Colon last season as a veteran coming off an arm injury who could provide quality innings by May or June. Smoltz has been on vacation, but the 1996 NL Cy Young Award winner is expected to narrow his choices in the next week to 10 days. The Sox have been told they are still among the contenders, but many in the game question whether Smoltz will end a 21-year association with the Atlanta Braves. — Boston Herald

Cubs to make another run at Padres Peavy?. If the Cubs’ hierarchy has one thing on its mind with the franchise on the market, it’s winning one World Series in its second century of trying. So don’t count out general manager Jim Hendry going after more pitching, perhaps that much-discussed deal for 2007 Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy of San Diego. — Chicago Tribune

Phils not serious about Derek Lowe?. The Phils have been mentioned in media reports as contenders to sign free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe, but sources say that characterization has been exaggerated. The team talked with Lowe’s representatives earlier this winter, before Jamie Moyer re-signed. While the Phils continue to monitor Lowe’s status, it is doubtful they would be serious players for the pitcher, who is seeking a multiyear deal in the neighborhood of $16 million per season. — Philadelphia Inquirer

Andy Pettitte Rejects Yankees’ Offer. A reunion seemed inevitable at the start of the off-season, but now it is uncertain. Andy Pettitte has rejected the Yankees’ one-year, $10 million offer, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations, and there is no standing offer for now. Pettitte could return because some in the Yankees’ hierarchy want him back. But in a winter of aggressive activity, the Yankees have been unwilling to bend for Pettitte. — NY Times