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FBI quizzes Nitkowski in Clemens case
FBI quizzes Nitkowski in Clemens case Former Yankees pitcher C.J. Nitkowski was interviewed nearly two weeks ago by federal agents as part of their investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Kotchman, Braves avoid arbitration
Kotchman, Braves avoid arbitration The Braves and first baseman Casey Kotchman have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.885 million contract.

Guillen enjoying give-and-take with fans
Guillen enjoying give-and-take with fans The always talkative, always charismatic Ozzie Guillen faced off with fans on Friday as SoxFest 2009 got underway.

Rays add lefty Shouse to bullpen mix
Rays add lefty Shouse to bullpen mix The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year deal with reliever Brian Shouse, according to ESPN.com. The deal is pending a physical.

Reds to hold Fantasy Camp for fans
Reds to hold Fantasy Camp for fans At Reds Fantasy Camp, fans will be doing everything Major Leaguers do during Spring Training — including hanging out with other Major Leaguers.

Torre to appear on ‘Larry King Live’
Torre to appear on ‘Larry King Live’ Dodgers manager Joe Torre will appear on “Larry King Live” on Friday night on CNN. It will be Torre’s first long-form interview since reports leaked regarding the content of his new book, “The Yankee Years.”

Brewers narrow search for radio voice
Brewers narrow search for radio voice Cory Provus, who has worked for WGN Radio the past two seasons, is the leading candidate to replace recently departed radio play-by-play man Jim Powell.

Tigres win third straight title
Tigres win Game 7, third straight title

Varitek, Red Sox have a deal
Varitek, Red Sox have a deal The captain is staying put. The Red Sox and free-agent catcher Jason Varitek agreed on a contract, two sources confirmed to MLB.com on Friday.

Rays taking a step forward with payroll
Rays take a step forward with payroll The Rays’ estimated $60 million payroll for the coming season is a major step for the franchise and a testament to the organization’s commitment to winning.

Maholm, Hinske agree to deals with Pirates
Left-hander Paul Maholm avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing Friday to a $14.5 million, three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who also finalized a $1.5 million, one-year deal with free-agent utilityman Eric Hinske.

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AP: Varitek, Red Sox reach one-year, $5M deal
The Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a $5 million, one-year contract, two people familiar with the talks said.

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Ben Sheets, a little luck could put Texas Rangers in playoff race

Maybe I’m crazy or just desperate to have something worth pumping sunshine. But it seems to me that with a healthy Ben Sheets as the ace, the Rangers could contend for the AL West title.

Angels high on talent, depth of bullpen

In spite of losing a man who led the American League in saves three of the past four seasons, setting a Major League record with 62 in 2008, the Angels are confident their bullpen can be as good as ever in …

FBI questions Nitkowski in Clemens perjury case
Former Yankees pitcher C.J. Nitkowski was interviewed nearly two weeks ago by federal agents as part of their investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

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Source: Clemens’ syringes being tested (AP)

The country’s leading doping lab is testing syringes and vials Roger Clemens’ former personal trainer gave federal investigators to determine whether the items contain traces of performance-enhancing drugs, a person close to the case told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing into whether Clemens lied under oath to Congress last…

Sources: Varitek, BoSox reach agreement (AP)

The Boston Red Sox wrapped up their offseason bargain hunting Friday by reaching a preliminary agreement with catcher and captain Jason Varitek that pays him half as much in 2009 as he made last season. Varitek heads into his 13th major league season, all with the Red Sox, with a guaranteed $5 million for 2009 and a player option of $3 million or a team option of $5 million for 2010, two people…

RHP Maine, Mets agree to 1 year, $2.6M (AP)
Pitcher John Maine and the New York Mets avoided salary arbitration, agreeing Friday on a $2.6 million, one-year contract. The figure was the midpoint of the $3 million Maine sought and the $2.2 million the Mets offered. The right-hander can earn an additional $25,000 if he pitches 200 or more innings.

A’s, Springer agree on 1-year contract

The Oakland A’s agreed to terms with free-agent right-handed pitcher Russ Springer on a one-year contract, the club announced Thursday.

Pirates sign two

One of the aspects of running the Pittsburgh Pirates that the triumvirate of Chairman Bob Nutting, President Frank Coonelly and General Manager Neal Huntington have stressed over their one-plus years is that …

Detroit Tigers visit Spring Arbor University

The first time you view the new MLive.com, you’ll see the “Statewide” version of the home page.

ChiSox Quinton says he’s healthy

Every time he’s asked about his surgically repaired right wrist, Carlos Quentin holds it up in the air and has this response: “It’s great,” he says.

A’s, Springer agree on 1-year contract

The Oakland A’s agreed to terms with free-agent right-handed pitcher Russ Springer on a one-year contract, the club announced Thursday.

Ben Sheets, a little luck could put Texas Rangers in playoff race

Maybe I’m crazy or just desperate to have something worth pumping sunshine. But it seems to me that with a healthy Ben Sheets as the ace, the Rangers could contend for the AL West title.

ChiSox Quinton says he’s healthy

Every time he’s asked about his surgically repaired right wrist, Carlos Quentin holds it up in the air and has this response: “It’s great,” he says.

Sources: Varitek, BoSox reach agreement (AP)

The Boston Red Sox wrapped up their offseason bargain hunting Friday by reaching a preliminary agreement with catcher and captain Jason Varitek that pays him half as much in 2009 as he made last season. Varitek heads into his 13th major league season, all with the Red Sox, with a guaranteed $5 million for 2009 and a player option of $3 million or a team option of $5 million for 2010, two people…

Quentin healthy for spring training (AP)
Every time he’s asked about his surgically repaired right wrist, Carlos Quentin holds it up in the air and has this response: “It’s great,” he says. Quentin’s first season with the Chicago White Sox, one that saw him blossom into a surprising star with 36 homers and 100 RBIs, ended suddenly after a fit of frustration with a month to go.

Angels high on talent, depth of bullpen

In spite of losing a man who led the American League in saves three of the past four seasons, setting a Major League record with 62 in 2008, the Angels are confident their bullpen can be as good as ever in …

Torre stands by everything in new book (AP)

Don’t expect an apology, A-Rod. Joe Torre is standing by everything he says in his new book. “I really don’t think there’s anything in the book at all that’d I’d apologize for. I feel badly if people are taking it the wrong way. I’m not going to say I’m insensitive to it,” Torre said Friday night. “I think that’s what makes me who I am, because I have sensitivity.

Pirates give Maholm 3 years, $14.5M (AP)
Left-hander Paul Maholm avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing Friday to a $14.5 million, three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who also finalized a $1.5 million, one-year deal with free-agent utilityman Eric Hinske. Maholm’s agreement locks him up through his remaining arbitration years and includes a club option for 2012.

RHP Maine, Mets agree to 1 year, $2.6M (AP)
Pitcher John Maine and the New York Mets avoided salary arbitration, agreeing Friday on a $2.6 million, one-year contract. The figure was the midpoint of the $3 million Maine sought and the $2.2 million the Mets offered. The right-hander can earn an additional $25,000 if he pitches 200 or more innings.

Ben Sheets, a little luck could put Texas Rangers in playoff race

Maybe I’m crazy or just desperate to have something worth pumping sunshine. But it seems to me that with a healthy Ben Sheets as the ace, the Rangers could contend for the AL West title.

Gonzalez wants to show Braves old self
Gonzalez wants to show Braves old self Twenty months removed from the Tommy John elbow ligament transplant surgery that he underwent in May 2007, Mike Gonzalez feels healthy and determined to prove he’s once again the dominant closer the Braves envisioned when they acquired him from the Pirates two years ago.

ChiSox Quinton says he’s healthy

Every time he’s asked about his surgically repaired right wrist, Carlos Quentin holds it up in the air and has this response: “It’s great,” he says.

Howard swings for fences in arbitration
Howard swings for fences in arbitration The Phillies have just one arbitration-eligible player left to sign, but it’s a big one. Slugger Ryan Howard is asking for $18 million.

KC aims to build on improved rotation
KC aims to build on improved rotation Gil Meche and Zack Greinke provided a steady hand last season. Now it’s up to the rest of the rotation to help the Royals continue to improve.

Cubs ink Bako, could deal Hill
Cubs ink Bako, could deal Hill The Cubs signed veteran catcher Paul Bako to a one-year deal on Friday, and they are reportedly in talks to send pitcher Rich Hill to the Orioles.

Fantasy review: NL West

In the last of my divisional breakdowns, I look at the pitching haven that is the NL West.

Cubs Agree To Terms With Catcher Bako

The Chicago Cubs announced on Friday they have agreed to terms with catcher Paul Bako on a contract for the 2009 season.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009 - Top 5 Baltimore Orioles Rookies

The Baltimore Orioles have had a long drought in their quest of the post season, but that may ch ange this year.

Register for Surprise Cal Ripken Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball

Cal Ripken Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball registration is open in Surprise, and all leagues begin in early March.

Source: Red Sox, Varitek close to deal (AP)
The Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek were close to a preliminary agreement Friday on a one-year contract that would guarantee the captain $8 million, a person familiar with the talks said. Varitek would get $5 million this season and have a $3 million player option for 2010, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because talks were not yet final.

Pirates give Maholm 3 years, $14.5M (AP)
Left-hander Paul Maholm avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing Friday to a $14.5 million, three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who also finalized a $1.5 million, one-year deal with free-agent utilityman Eric Hinske. Maholm’s agreement locks him up through his remaining arbitration years and includes a club option for 2012.

Reps. want Citigroup out of Citi Field (AP)
Two congressmen want Citigroup out of Citi Field. Reps. Dennis Kucinich and Ted Poe sent a letter to new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday, urging the government to demand that the company drop its $400 million, 20-year agreement for naming rights to the New York Mets‘ ballpark. The stadium opens in April.

Report: Estalella to implicate Bonds (AP)

Former major league catcher Bobby Estalella has been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors to testify at Barry Bonds’ trial, ESPN.com reported Thursday. Estalella, who was on the San Francisco Giants with Bonds in 2000 and 2001, is expected to testify to firsthand knowledge that Bonds used steroids, the Web site said, citing an unidentified source with knowledge of the evidence.

Twins DH Kubel agrees to 2-year contract (AP)
Now that his immediate financial future is settled, Jason Kubel can enter spring training focused on hitting. And that’s exactly what he wants. Kubel and the Minnesota Twins agreed to a $7.2 million, two-year contract on Thursday, avoiding salary arbitration. The designated hitter gets $2.75 million this year and $4.1 million in 2010.

Dodgers renew talks with Wolf, Looper
Dodgers renew talks with Wolf, Looper One day after Jon Garland came off the board by signing with Arizona, L.A. resumed contract talks with Randy Wolf, although no agreement was reached.

Fantasy Divisional Preview: NL West

While various sources were used to compile the information below, the teams’ official Web sites were very helpful .

Reports: Players to testify in Bonds trial
Reports: Players to testify against Bonds Bobby Estalella, a former teammate of Barry Bonds, as well as Jason and Jeremy Giambi are expected to support the government’s contention that Bonds knowingly took steroids, it was reported Thursday.

Maholm inks multiyear deal with Bucs
Maholm inks multiyear deal with Bucs The Pirates and Paul Maholm have agreed to a multiyear deal that will carry the left-hander through all three of his arbitration-eligible years, with an option for a fourth season. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Garland introduced in Arizona
Garland introduced in Arizona The D-backs signed right-hander Jon Garland to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2010, then introduced the starter on Thursday.