The market, not the calendar, is key to a deal, Holliday’s agent says. The agent for outfielder Matt Holliday doesn’t see the dwindling days on the calendar as motivation to accelerate negotiations, saying instead the market will set the pace and, to the extent they’re inclined, so will the Cardinals. -STLtoday

Mets edgy as Bengie & Bay stall. Radio silence from Jason Bay and Bengie Molina continued for the Mets over the weekend, leading some within the club to wonder if either player is truly interested in coming to Queens. Mets GM Omar Minaya has indicated a willingness to wait on both players, telling The Post late last week, “It is a long offseason.” -New York Post

Reds give 3B Scott Rolen 2-year contract extension through 2012 that pays him additional $13M. Scott Rolen agreed Saturday to a two-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds that guarantees him an additional $13 million while converting almost half of his 2010 salary to a deferred signing bonus. -CW2 Colorado KWGN-TV

Texas Rangers say no on trade for Boston’s Mike Lowell. By JEFF WILSON Mike Lowell would have provided the right-handed bat the Texas Rangers need for their lineup, but his right thumb won’t allow him to come to Arlington.Major league sources said the four-time All-Star has a torn radial collateral ligament and likely won’t be ready for the start of spring training. -Star-telegram.com