Yankees/MLB Hot Stove Report: Molina, Hughes, Braun's Pee, Bobby V Opens his Mouth

The Post's Joel Sherman likes the way Phil Hughes' fastball looks so far. Of course, we already knew that his heater was nearly unhittable in short bursts, holding a .172 BAA out of the bullpen.

• Most think Yadier Molina's impending extension with St. Louis (reportedly five years and $75M) will give Russell Martin more bargaining power. ESPN's Andrew Marchand says Martin will receive at least $30M if he reaches free agency (after 2012).

• The collector of Ryan Braun's infamous urine defended himself today -

I have worked hard my entire life, have performed my job duties with integrity and professionalism, and have done so with respect to this matter and all other collections in which I have participated.

Forgive my lack of biochemistry knowledge, but I still don't get how leaving a urine sample unattended over a weekend could raise the amount of testosterone in it.

• Bobby Valentine is showing himself to be the anti-Terry Francona, taking jabs at Derek Jeter (for the 2001 flip play) and Alex Rodriguez (for his fight with Jason Varitek) -

We'll never practice [the flip play]. I think [Jeter] was out of position and the ball gets [Giambi] if [Jeter] doesn't touch it, personally...

That was amazing that [Jeter] was there. I bet it's more amazing that he said he practiced it. I don't believe it...

[Varitek] was everything you want a guy who wears a 'C' to be... He was a man's man, he was a big hitter when needed, he was the leader of the pitching staff... He was able to beat up Alex, all that stuff. He was exactly what he was supposed to be.

The guy with the mask on was a "man's man"?

• The return of Joba Chamberlain will be one of the more anticipated stories in the Bronx this summer.