61.   John Valentin will file for salary arbitration Thursday, dimming but not extinguishing Red Sox hopes that they can sign the veteran infielder to a multiyear contract extension.

62.   Just ask Gilmour, who lost his salary arbitration because of his low point production last season.

63.   Karros, for example, could decide that salary arbitration followed by free agency is more attractive than a longer-term deal with the Dodgers.

64.   Like Valentin, he is eligible for salary arbitration.

65.   Mantei will be eligible for salary arbitration at the end of the season.

66.   Matteau has filed for salary arbitration and could become a restricted free agent.

67.   Melvin said he has talked with agent Alan Hendricks about getting pitcher Roger Pavlik signed to a one-year contract that would avoid salary arbitration.

68.   Midnight tonight is the deadline for players offered salary arbitration to accept it or reject it.

69.   Meanwhile, general manager Dan Duquette was busy preparing for salary arbitrations.

70.   No wonder those who have been through salary arbitration describe it as a process designed never to be used.