Looking for a top starter to bolster their so-so rotation, the Phillies have turned their attention from Roy Halladay to the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Cliff Lee.

ARLINGTON— The state of the Rangers’ finances has hindered the club’s chances to acquire a front-line starting pitcher before Friday’s trade deadline, but general manager Jon Daniels continues to look for ways to add pitching help.

Club officials said that chances are slim that the Rangers would acquire Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee, both former Cy Young Award winners. Toronto has asked for three of the Rangers’ top prospects, including left-hander Derek Holland. The Rangers balked at that, as well as the $6 million Halladay would be owed the rest of the season.

Lee remains available, but even his remaining salary of just over $2 million seems too steep to be added to the payroll.

"It’s a different environment than we’ve dealt with in the past,"Daniels said."We haven’t made any secret of that. It’s unlikely you will see us adding any significant amount of money. It doesn’t mean that we can’t improve the club. It just makes it more challenging."

The Rangers aren’t likely to add a hitter, Daniels said. A baseball source said that the Rangers were close to adding Ryan Garko in a trade with Cleveland, but he was dealt to San Francisco on Monday.

Garko, a right-handed hitter, would have been part of a platoon at first base.— Jeff Wilson

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner pitched a seven-hitter while escaping several jams against Oakland on Tuesday night.

At 45, the Giants left-hander already owns a World Series ring and co-MVP honors, five Cy Young awards and is a 10-time All-Star selection. He's thrown two no-hitters, including a perfect game, and ranks second on the career strikeout list.

Indians' Shin-Soo Choo, from Korea, singles off Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria in the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 22, 2009, in Cleveland. The Royals beat the Indians 2-0." align="left" border="0">

Brian Bannister was excited to be back in the major leagues -- and even more delighted his first start came in Cleveland. Bannister (1-0) and two relievers outpitched reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Indians 2-0 Wednesday night. "I just seem to have a feel for this team and do like to pitch in this ballpark," said Bannister after improving to 3-0 with...

San Francisco Giants' Edgar Renteria hits a grand slam off San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jake Peavy in the fourth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 21, 2009." align="left" border="0">

Edgar Renteria has a simple reason for his success against Jake Peavy. "I would say I'm lucky," he joked. Renteria hit a grand slam off the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner and matched his career high with five RBIs, leading the San Francisco Giants to an 8-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night.

From winning his first major league start in complete-game fashion to finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting, here's a day-by-day look at the year Mark "The Bird" Fidrych took the City of Detroit by storm.

A pitcher’s worth can be measured by several statistics. Wins and losses are the most common, with ERA and strikeouts among the biggies. But then there are the stats for the true baseball junkies: Runners per nine, adjusted ERA and WHIP are just a few. A look at three telling statistics and three that just don’t mean much when you get right down to it.

Underrated statistics

WHIP:A combination of walks and hits allowed per innings pitched. Mariano Rivera (1.0199) and Pedro Martinez (1.0512) have the lowest career WHIP among active pitchers with 1,000 innings pitched. Both are surefire Hall of Famers. Johan Santana (1.1024) ranks 20th on the all-time WHIP list and he has a pair of Cy Young Awards. On the list of players with the lowest WHIP of all time, 19 of the top 50 are in the Hall of Fame. Cole Hamels and Jake Peavy are the most recent NL WHIP leaders and Santana led the AL in WHIP four consecutive seasons.

Strikeouts per nine innings:Some consider the strikeout an overrated statistic, but a strikeout can save a run while a ground ball might not be able to. A strikeout can also provide a momentum boost. Strikeouts per nine are also a good barometer of a pitcher’s worth. Randy Johnson (10.670) is the all-time career leader in strikeouts per nine among players with 1,000 innings pitched. Pedro Martinez is No. 3 while Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax are in the top five. Johnson has the single-season mark for strikeouts per nine: 13.41 for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.

Pitches per inning:New Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux preaches about a paucity of pitches. That’s fewness. It should come as no surprise that three of the pitchers who threw the most pitches per inning last year have Rangers ties. Bill White was second in the majors with 29.8 pitches per inning. Derrick Turnbow, in camp with the Rangers this spring, was fifth and Elizardo Ramirez was sixth. Throwing too many pitches is death for a starter or a reliever. Future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux needed only 13.2 pitches per inning last year. Derek Lowe, John Lackey, Roy Oswalt, Brandon Webb and Cliff Lee each needed 15 or fewer pitches per inning. You can build a rotation around those five easily.

Overrated statistics

Quality starts:This may be the worst statistic of all time. Really, what is quality about having an ERA of 4.50? But according to the definition of a quality start (at least six innings pitched, three earned runs or less allowed), that’s all you need. Among the pitchers ranked in the top 50 in quality starts in 2008 were Nick Blackburn, Mike Pelfrey, Paul Maholm, Jeremy Guthrie, Kyle Lohse and John Lannan. Lannan, who tied for 16th in the majors with 21 quality starts, was 9-15 in 2008. Is that anyone’s definition of quality?

Complete games:This used to be a huge statistic, but with the emphasis on the bullpen, the complete game is going the way of the dinosaur. Ferguson Jenkins had 29 complete games for the Rangers in 1974. Since 1997, no Ranger has had more than four complete games. It’s not just a Rangers thing. Roy Halladay led the majors last year with nine complete games. In 1998, Curt Schilling led the way with 15. In 1988, Orel Hershiser had 15. In 1978, the leader had 28. It’s not that complete games aren’t nice and save a bullpen, it’s just that they aren’t necessary anymore.

Hold:You know how to tell if a statistic is lousy? When there’s no clear-cut definition. It’s not an official baseball statistic, but a hold is kind of like a poor-man’s save. A pitcher comes into the game in a save situation, records an out and leaves the game with his team still in the lead. That’s the STATS Inc. definition. According to another statistics service, an out doesn’t even need to be recorded. To tell you how much pitchers care about holds, Texas reliever Eddie Guardado didn’t even know he was among the league leaders in holds last year. When informed he was, Guardado wanted to know the definition. He’s not the only one.

WASHINGTON—All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada has been charged with lying to Congress about steroids. Tejada is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday where he is expected to plead guilty.

The charges against Tejada, who currently plays for the Houston Astros, were outlined in documents filed in Washington federal court on Tuesday.

The documents indicate that a plea agreement has been reached with Tejada.

Messages left for his attorney, Mark Tuohey, were not immediately returned.

The documents were filed a day after superstar Alex Rodriguez admitted to past use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The FBI also is investigating whether Roger Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young winner, lied to Congress last year when he denied using steroids or human growth hormone.

In the documents filed Tuesday, Tejada is charged with lying to investigators for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in 2005 when he denied knowledge of an ex-teammate's use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The teammate is not identified in court documents, but is referred to as having played with Tejada on the Oakland Athletics.

Tejada"unlawfully withheld pertinent information from the committee because defendant Tejada, before and during his interview with the committee staff, then and there well knew that player‥1, one of his teammates on the Oakland Athletics, had used steroids and HGH,"the papers state.

In fact, prosecutors charge, during spring training in 2003, Tejada had purchased a substance believed to be HGH from the player.

The charges are contained in a six-page criminal information, a legal document used often when a defendant has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.

The criminal information charges Tejada with making misrepresentations to Congress.

Roger Clemens, leaveing after meeting with the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on Capitol HiL. McNamee arrived Friday Jan. 16, 2009 at the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington to meet with federal prosecutors building a case against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. " align="left" border="0">

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...

Roger Clemens, leaveing after meeting with the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee on Capitol HiL. McNamee arrived Friday Jan. 16, 2009 at the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington to meet with federal prosecutors building a case against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner. " align="left" border="0">

The prosecutor seeking an indictment of Roger Clemens got his first chance to question the former baseball star's chief antagonist, personal trainer Brian McNamee, during a five-hour session Friday that included FBI investigators. McNamee has told federal agents, baseball investigator George Mitchell and a House of Representatives committee that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with...

New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens being sworn-in on Capitol Hill in Washington, prior to testifying before the House Oversight, and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball. " align="left" border="0">

Connecting the dots in the case against Roger Clemens, prosecutors brought convicted steroids dealer Kirk Radomski to the grand jury Thursday, a day before they're to meet with Brian McNamee, who says he injected the seven-time Cy Young Award winner with performance-enhancing drugs. A federal grand jury has been asked to determine whether Clemens should be indicted on charges of lying to Congress...

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young winner, will announce his retirement Monday Dec. 8, 2008 at the baseball winter meetings in Las Vegas. " align="left" border="0">

Greg Maddux has thrown his last pitch. The four-time Cy Young winner will announce his retirement Monday at the baseball winter meetings, near his home in Las Vegas. Maddux, who turns 43 in April, ranks eighth on the career wins list with 355. He went 8-13 with a 4.22 ERA last season with the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Top free agents

Starting pitchers

1. CC Sabathia:Yankees could land former Cy Young winner with the richest contract given to a pitcher.

2. A.J. Burnett:Oft-injured right-hander is gambling that he’ll land a big payday. He led the AL in strikeouts.

3. Derek Lowe:Innings-eating right-hander has averaged 15 wins since 2002. He could be headed east.

4. Ben Sheets:Dallas resident has ace stuff, but a history of injuries. A late-season injury could make him more affordable.

5. Oliver Perez:This left-hander has been very good the past two seasons with the Mets. He’s only 27.

Relievers

1. Francisco Rodriguez:Talk about timing: set the single-season saves mark in your final contract year.

2. Brian Fuentes:Rangers linked to the lefty closer, who knows how to pitch in a hitter’s park.

3. Kerry Wood:Was an All-Star in his first full season as a closer. Could the local boy return home?

4. Juan Cruz:Strikeout specialist finally found his niche in the late innings. Could fill closer’s role.

5. Trevor Hoffman:The all-time saves leader is 41, but still knows how to get outs.

Hitters

1. Mark Teixeira:Former Rangers first baseman is the top hitter on the market and will get a dream payday.

2. Manny Ramirez:Dodgers actively trying to keep Hall of Fame lock in Los Angeles.

3. Adam Dunn:Native Texan brings power, but he comes with so-so average and tons of strikeouts.

4. Rafael Furcal:A good leadoff hitter and rangy shortstop, but another potential injury risk.

5. Milton Bradley:Coming off the best season of career. Should be healthier, but injury history could sway teams.

— Jeff Wilson

Cleveland Indians' Cliff Lee pitching against the Kansas City Royals during a baseball game in Cleveland. Lee is a runaway winner for the American League Cy Young Award Thursday Nov. 13, 2008. " align="left" border="0">

Cliff Lee turned a terrible season into something positive: incentive. Lee won the American League Cy Young Award in a runaway Thursday, capping a dominant comeback that made him the second consecutive Cleveland Indians lefty to earn the coveted prize. Demoted to the minors last year, Lee went a major league-best 22-3 this season with a 2.54 ERA.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, this year's National League Cy Young Award winner, smiles as he is introduced during a news conference at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008. Lincecum took home pitching's highest honor in his second major league season. The slender kid with the whirling windup on Tuesday joined Mike McCormick (1967) as the only San Francisco Giants pitchers to win a Cy Young. " align="left" border="0">

Tim Lincecum hung up the phone after learning the good news he'd been waiting more than a month to hear. "My reaction was 'Whoo hoo!"' the newly crowned NL Cy Young Award winner hollered for a news conference bigger than any the San Francisco Giants had seen since the days of home run king Barry Bonds.

Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton celebrates with teammate Chris Burke, left, after their 6-4 win against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in Phoenix, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. " align="left" border="0">

Brandon Webb wanted one last victory to fortify his NL Cy Young resume. He'll have to settle for 22, tied for the most in the majors. Stephen Drew's two-run single in the eighth inning led the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-4 victory over Colorado on Saturday night, but it came too late to make a winner of Webb.

Toronto Blue Jays Rod Barajas watches his first inning two-run double off New York Yankees Andy Pettitte in their baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008. " align="left" border="0">

Roy Halladay made the most of Yankee Stadium's final season. Halladay won his fourth straight start, giving him four wins over the New York Yankees this year, and Scott Rolen homered for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-2 victory Sunday. The 2003 AL Cy Young Award winner, Halladay improved to 4-1 with a 2.50 ERA in five starts against the Yankees this season.

Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder swings for a three-run home run off San Francisco Giants' Jack Taschner in the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 18, 2008, in San Francisco. Milwaukee won 9-1. " align="left" border="0">

CC Sabathia's transition from Cleveland to Milwaukee and from the American League to the National League has been seamless to say the least. The ace left-hander pitched a complete game for the Brewers in their final game before the All-Star break and another in their first game back. Sabathia, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, tossed a four-hitter Friday night to win his third straight start...

New York Yankees baseball pitcher Roger Clemens testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the House Oversight, and Government Reform committee hearing on drug use in baseball. Admitted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski handed over shipping receipts to federal investigators for a package of human growth hormone that he sent to Roger Clemens' home in Texas in 2002 or 2003, The Daily News reported on its Web site. " align="left" border="0">

Convicted steroid dealer Kirk Radomski looked under his television last weekend and found overnight mail slips from packages he claims were used to send human growth hormone to Roger Clemens' house, according to the lawyer for Brian McNamee. Clemens sued McNamee, his former trainer, for defamation this year after McNamee claimed the seven-time Cy Young Award winner used steroids and human growth...

Fausto Carmona, a surprising 19-game winner last season, agreed Thursday to a $15 million, four-year contract with Cleveland, a deal that would be worth at least $43 million if the Indians exercise three club options. Carmona's signing gives the Indians protection in case they are unable to keep C.C. Sabathia, the defending AL's Cy Young Award winner, who is eligible for free agency following this season. The 24-year-old Carmona went 19-7 with a 3.06 ERA and emerged as one of the AL's top starters in 2007, one season after he went 1-10.

Brewers'plan for Gallardo:Milwaukee manager Ned Yost said the Brewers would prefer to give pitcher Yovani Gallardo another minor league rehab start before bringing him up. But with rain forecast for this weekend's series against the Mets in New York, Gallardo will be with the team just in case weather disrupts the rotation. Gallardo, a Fort Worth Trimble Tech graduate, is rehabbing a left knee injury.

Lowell on DL:The Red Sox placed World Series MVP Mike Lowell on the 15-day DL with a sprained thumb.

Vizquel improving:San Francisco shortstop Omar Vizquel could begin testing his surgically repaired left knee in minor league rehab games as soon as early next week. The 11-time Gold Glove winner is on the 15-day disabled list following arthroscopic knee surgery Feb. 27.

Vargas to join Mets:Claudio Vargas and the Mets agreed to a minor league contract, giving New York another option for its injury-riddled rotation.

Pudge's night:Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez reached base all five times he came to the plate, with three singles, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in a 12-6 loss to the Red Sox..

Red Sox honor Japan:The Red Sox celebrated"Japan Night,"playing the Japanese national anthem before the game with Japanese dancers and drummers.

No steals yet:The Yankees have gone 10 games into the season without a stolen base for the first time since 1948, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. In 1948, they didn't have any steals until a double steal by Phil Rizzuto and Tommy Henrich in the team's 17th game.

National woes:A seven-game losing streak has the Nationals an NL-worst 3-7 after a 3-0 start.

Tampa Bay declined outfielder Rocco Baldelli's $6 million option for 2009 and bought out the final three years of his contract for $4 million. Baldelli, 26, has been sidelined since last May because of lingering hamstring problems and what doctors have told him and the Rays is mitochondrial disorder, a condition that causes extreme fatigue.

Rays lock up two others:Tampa Bay picked up outfielder Carl Crawford's $8.25 million option for 2009 and agreed to a $10.5 million, three-year deal with reliever Dan Wheeler. Wheeler will earn $2.8 million this season, $3.2 million in 2009 and $3.5 million in 2010. The 2011 option is for $4 million with a $1 million buyout.

Beckett getting closer:Josh Beckett completed what should be his final step toward returning to the Boston Red Sox rotation. Slowed by back spasms this spring, Beckett pitched five innings in an intrasquad game in Fort Myers, Fla., and manager Terry Francona hopes to start his ace right-hander Sunday at Toronto.

An obstructed view?Nothing obstructed the view of Wrigley Field on Monday from a pair of rooftop clubs whose owner has refused to share 17 percent of his profits with the team. But if Tom Gramatis hasn't paid up by the time the Cubs return home April 15, team officials said obstructions will be installed.

Colon set to start:Former AL Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon will start Pawtucket's season opener Thursday as he tries to make it up the Red Sox.

Indians catcher day to day:All-Star Victor Martinez strained his left hamstring while running the bases in the second inning Monday but the Indians were vague about his injury on Tuesday, saying only that their best hitter was day to day with a mild strain.

Pettitte welcomed back:Andy Pettitte received a mostly warm welcome when he was introduced at the New York Yankees'opener after a tumultuous off-season in which he admitted to using human growth hormone and accused Roger Clemens of using HGH. Pettitte got mostly cheers when he came out of the dugout for his introduction but there was an undercurrent of boos.

Phillies sign reliever:Right-hander Rudy Seanez agreed to a contract with Philadelphia and will be in uniform for tonight's game against Washington.

Roger Clemens arrived at the Houston Astros'minor league clubhouse in Kissimmee, Fla., on Tuesday and walked straight to a fenced-in bullpen to greet his oldest son, Koby, a catcher in the Astros'system.

He snapped at a photographer who started clicking pictures.

"This isn't a zoo!"Clemens barked.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner was calmer a few minutes later, but refused to answer questions about the Mitchell Report or a possible criminal investigation into his denials of steroid use.

"Everything's been said that needs to be said on that,"Clemens said."We're moving forward. It's baseball time."

Clemens thinks the public is tired of hearing about performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. He sure is.

"I think you ought to be asking baseball questions,"he said."I think it's time to move on and get on with baseball."

Clemens will pitch batting practice from Wednesday through Friday to minor leaguers. He arrived one day afterThe New York Timesreported a House committee had drafted a letter asking the Justice Department to look into whether Clemens committed perjury. Clemens has repeatedly denied that he used steroids or performance-enhancing drugs, allegations brought by former personal trainer Brian McNamee.

The committee has not yet made a decision whether to send a letter to Justice.

"I'm not commenting on any of that,"Clemens said."Everything's said that needs to be said on that topic."

Briefly

Giants:San Francisco probably will be without Omar Vizquel's sparkling defense at shortstop on Opening Day. Vizquel will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today and is expected to miss four to six weeks. The 11-time Gold Glove shortstop, who turns 41 in April, tested his knee Tuesday but said the pain was too much to handle.

Mets:Pedro Martinez will wait to see whether New York wants him back in 2009. Martinez is in the final season of his four-year, $53 million deal and eager to find out how his right shoulder holds up. He had major surgery on it in October 2006 and spent most of last year recovering. The 36-year-old Martinez said it's up to the Mets to talk to him about a new deal.

Reds:Shortstop Alex Gonzalez is expected to miss Cincinnati's first few spring training games with a sore knee.

Cubs:Mark DeRosa visited a Chicago cardiologist, and manager Lou Piniella said he expects the Cubs infielder back in camp next week. The Cubs issued no report on DeRosa's medical tests. He was hospitalized over the weekend after experiencing an irregular heartbeat.

Andy Pettitte repeated his apologies over and over again Monday, saying he had embarrassed himself and set a terrible example.

Whether he upset Roger Clemens is anyone's guess. They haven't spoken in more than a month, since Pettitte corroborated allegations of drug use against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

"Obviously it's put a strain, I think, on our friendship,"said Pettitte, who talked for almost an hour."I love him like a brother."

"I felt like I need to come out, be forward with this,"Pettitte said."Whatever circumstances or repercussions come with it, I'll take and I'll take like a man and I'll try to do my job."

Pettitte said he did not feel as if his accomplishments were tainted. He said he used HGH only because he felt pressure to pitch while injured."I didn't do it to try to get an edge on anyone. I didn't do it to try to get stronger or faster or throw harder. I did it because I was told that it might be able to help me,"he said.

Gagné also apologizes

Milwaukee closer Eric Gagné, identified as a user of human growth hormone in the Mitchell Report, also apologized, telling his new Milwaukee teammates he was sorry for"a distraction that shouldn't be taking place."Gagné said he feels"bad"for what his family and friends went through and lauded baseball for its efforts to clean the game up.

Selig still studying

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is still reviewing cases of players accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs in the Mitchell Report. Selig initially hoped to complete his review by spring training. He declined to comment on the congressional hearing last week when Roger Clemens denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Briefly

Red Sox:If Curt Schilling's shoulder rehabilitation fails, he knows his career could be over. The pitcher denied that he was hurt when he signed an $8 million contract last November. Speaking publicly for the first time about his preference for surgery, Schilling said he had to follow the team's insistence on rehab because he is under contract.

Blue Jays:Toronto center fielder Vernon Wells said his left shoulder is feeling close to"100 percent"after surgery last September. Wells, a graduate of Arlington Bowie, had surgery to remove a cyst and repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The shoulder bothered him most of the season; he had 16 homers and 80 RBI.

Angels:Closer Francisco Rodriguez is going to arbitration and he's not happy. Rodriguez, 26, doesn't have a long-term contract and said he might leave after this year. He has a major-league leading 132 saves over the past three years.

Brian McNamee told congressional investigators he injected Roger Clemens'wife with human growth hormone as she prepared for aSports Illustratedswimsuit edition photo session five years ago, theNew York Daily Newsreported Friday.

McNamee testified during his Capitol Hill deposition on Thursday that he injected Debbie Clemens at her husband's direction, theNewssaid on its Web site, citing an unidentified Washington source. Clemens'lawyers did not directly address the accusation when asked. The pitcher was in Washington to meet with congressmen for a second consecutive day.

"It's pretty clear now who this guy really is,"Rusty Hardin, Clemens'lead lawyer, said of McNamee."This guy never ceases to amaze me."

McNamee told baseball investigator George Mitchell that he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids and HGH in 1998, 2000 and 2001, charges the seven-time Cy Young Award winner repeatedly has denied. Clemens and McNamee are set to testify Wednesday.

"Did Roger get the Cy Young'cause his wife took the HGH?"said Lanny Breuer, another lawyer for Clemens.

McNamee's lawyers called on Clemens to provide a DNA sample. Asked about that, Hardin said the pitcher would comply with any request of that type from a federal authority.

"But they're going to have to come to us,"Hardin said.

Radomski sentenced

Former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski avoided jail and was sentenced to five years'probation after cooperating with baseball's investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Radomski was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston to pay an $18,575 fine after he admitted selling steroids, HGH and speed to current and former major leaguers.

Doctor, Red Sox at odds

The doctor who claims he knows Curt Schilling's shoulder"better than anybody who breathes on this planet"insists surgery is the only way the 20-year veteran can pitch again.

But Boston's team physician disagrees. He believes rehabilitation is the best way for Schilling to play this year.

"I think his chance of coming back to pitching with rehab or a conservative approach is zero,"Dr. Craig Morgan said."He might not come back after surgery, either. However, if the surgery is successful, he should be fully rehabbed by about All-Star break."

Briefly

Bedard finally a Mariner:Left-hander Erik Bedard was acquired by the Seattle Mariners from the Baltimore Orioles in a long-delayed trade for five prospects. Baltimore received outfielder Adam Jones, who probably will start in center field in Opening Day. The Orioles also obtained reliever George Sherrill and pitchers Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio.

Indians:Pitcher Scott Elarton agreed to a minor league contract with Cleveland. He was 14-14 in 52 starts with the Indians in 2004 and'05. He has a 56-60 career record with a 5.31 ERA.

Brewers:Manager Ned Yost's 2009 option was exercised by Milwaukee following its first winning season in 15 years.

Not one of Roger Clemens'flat-out denials about using steroids or human growth hormones was delivered while he spoke under oath. Now he gets that chance.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to give a deposition to lawyers from a congressional committee behind closed doors today in Washington, one day after his former New York Yankees teammate and workout partner Andy Pettitte delivered sworn testimony for about 2 1/2 hours.

Both pitchers'private interviews with staff members from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are part of preparation for a Feb. 13 hearing. That public session is expected to focus on allegations made in the Mitchell Report by trainer Brian McNamee that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with performance enhancers.

"Roger is not going to take the Fifth Amendment,"one of Clemens'lawyers, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement."He is going to answer the committee's questions truthfully under oath."

McNamee is to appear Thursday. One of his lawyers, Earl Ward, said no decision had been made on whether he would submit to a deposition or transcribed interview.

Pettitte, who chose to be deposed, did not take questions from reporters afterward as he walked from committee offices to an elevator in the Rayburn House Office Building. He was accompanied by his wife and three lawyers.

Rangers to deal pitcher

A source said that right-hander Armando Galarraga, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Jan. 25 to clear roster room for Jason Jennings, will be dealt to the Detroit Tigers today.

The details of the trade are not clear.

Galarraga is the last remaining player the Rangers received when they traded Alfonso Soriano to the Nationals in December 2005. That deal also included Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge.

-- Jeff Wilson

Briefly

Cardinals:Juan Gonzalez, who hasn't played regularly in the majors since the 2003 season with the Rangers, will be one of 26 non-roster players invited to spring training. Albert Pujols has been working out with Gonzalez, 38, and pushed for the team to give him a shot.

Trade:Baltimore and Seattle reportedly have agreed to the deal that would send left-handed pitching ace Erik Bedard to the Mariners for five players, including young outfielder Adam Jones and reliever George Sherrill, pending physicals. Bedard, 28, is expected in Seattle perhaps as early as today.

Tigers:Curtis Granderson, emerging as one of the top center fielders in the game, agreed to a $30.25 million, five-year contract with Detroit that includes a club option for 2013 that could make the deal worth up to $43.25 million.

NEW YORK—Johan Santana is a contract extension and physical from joining the New York Mets.

Beating out the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the Mets reached a tentative agreement Tuesday to acquire the two-time Cy Young Award winner, two people familiar with the deal said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

Minnesota would receive speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez, and pitchers Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.

"If it's true, obviously, you're getting arguably the best pitcher in the game,"Mets third baseman David Wright said.

What originally appeared to be a bidding war for Santana early in the offseason turned into something more akin to a negotiation of attrition in which first the Yankees and then the Red Sox appeared to lose interest and decide they'd rather hold onto their top prospects.

The Mets emerged as the top candidate after December's winter meetings, when the Yankees withdrew their offer, which included pitcher Phil Hughes and outfielder Melky Cabrera, and the Red Sox refused to improve their proposals, which would have sent pitcher Jon Lester or outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to the Twins along with other prospects.

Santana can become a free agent after this year's World Series, and Minnesota offered him an $80 million, four-year extension that he turned down early in the offseason.

Twins general manager Bill Smith called teams last weekend and asked them to make their best offers. Smith informed the Mets on Tuesday that he was accepting their proposal.

Arriving at the annual Baseball Assistance Team fundraising dinner Tuesday night, New York general manager Omar Minaya wouldn't say much.

"It's out there, but the bottom line is that we're trying to look at ways at improving our club,"Minaya said."That's all I'm going to be able to say about it right now."

Preparing for their final season at Shea Stadium and their 2009 move to Citi Field, the Mets landed the top available pitcher on the market. The trade is one of the two biggest of the offseason, along with Detroit's acquisition of third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis from Florida.

Minnesota will receive New York's Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 7 prospects, according to Baseball America's ranking. The Mets did not include their top farmhand, outfielder Fernando Martinez, or their top young pitcher, Mike Pelfrey.

The next step is for the Mets to negotiate a contract extension with Santana. The three-time All-Star is owed $13.25 million this year and likely will seek an extension of five-to-seven years worth at least $20 million annually.

New York and Santana have until 4p.m. Friday to reach an agreement, a baseball official told The Associated Press, also on condition of anonymity. If the Mets and Santana strike a deal, the players would have to pass physicals and the pitcher would have to formally waive his no-trade clause.

A left-hander who turns 29 in March, Santana gives the Mets a replacement for Tom Glavine, who left New York to return to the Atlanta Braves. New York, trying to bounce back from a record-setting September collapse last season, has a projected rotation that also includes Pedro Martinez, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Orlando Hernandez or Pelfrey.

Santana is 93-44 with a 3.22 ERA in eight major league seasons, winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2004 and 2006. He has been less successful in the playoffs, going 1-3 with a 3.97 ERA.

Santana had a subpar season in 2007, going 15-13. He lost seven of his last 11 decisions as his ERA rose from 2.60 to 3.33 ERA, his highest since 2001, and he allowed a career-high 33 homers—the most in the AL.

For the Mets, the hope is that he will be the next in a long line of aces behind Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, Glavine and Martinez.

"For our younger pitchers to develop under a guy like Pedro, a guy like Johan, you can't ask for any better situation,"Wright said."He's going to go out there and he's going to give you seven or eight innings every five days and he's going to get you a win. That's just what it comes down to. I've gotten a chance to get to know him a little bit the past couple years. He seems like a great clubhouse guy. He's going to fit in perfectly with the chemistry that we have."

With Santana gone, there is a big opening in the Twins'rotation. Francisco Liriano is on track to return after missing last season following elbow surgery, but Carlos Silva signed with Seattle as a free agent, leaving youngsters Scott Baker, Boof Bonser and Kevin Slowey as the starters with the most experience.

With Roger Clemens a no-show at a Houston Astros mini-camp Monday, Koby Clemens spoke out in defense of his dad.

Roger Clemens was accused by his former trainer in last month's Mitchell Report of using steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001, allegations the seven-time Cy Young Award winner vehemently denies.

"It kills me that this is happening to my dad,"Koby Clemens, an Astros'prospect, said."What he's done for the game and what now is being turned back to him for what he's done for the game is tough. It's hard on me, but you can't imagine how hard it is on my dad."

Koby Clemens, the pitcher's oldest son, said the ordeal has made his family stronger and brought its members closer together.

Clemens is set to testify Feb. 13 before a House committee along with former teammates Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch, and Brian McNamee, the former personal trainer for Clemens and Pettitte. Clemens sued McNamee for defamation.

Clemens'agent released an 18,000-word, 49-page statistical report to refute allegations that his career improved about the time he was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.

The pitcher has a personal-services contract with the Astros set to begin when he retires, and he helped last year at the mini-camp, which features Nolan Ryan and Jeff Bagwell.

Bedard deal stalls

Erik Bedard is still a member of the Baltimore Orioles, although there are signs the left-hander might soon be headed to the Seattle Mariners.

In an effort to rebuild an organization that has endured 10 consecutive losing seasons, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has been actively seeking to trade Bedard for prospects. He appears close to working out a deal with the Mariners, but insisted that a trade was not necessarily imminent. Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who hopes to sign Bedard to a long-term deal, is apparently the roadblock.

The Mariners have asked center fielder Adam Jones to leave his Venezuelan Winter League team and return to the United States. Jones, one of Seattle's top prospects, is supposedly the main player targeted by Baltimore in the trade.

Briefly

Red Sox:Boston obtained reliever David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich in a trade involving three right-handed pitchers.

Athletics:Jack Cust, coming off a breakout season with Oakland, denied allegations in the Mitchell Report that he admitted using steroids. According to the report, minor league teammate Larry Bigbie said Cust once admitted using steroids. Cust addressed the allegations for the first time and denied that he ever used steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

Phillies:Free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz (.255, 11 home runs, 76 RBI in 2007) and Philadelphia agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract.

Nationals:Washington catcher Paul Lo Duca had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks. The operation was to repair torn cartilage.

Former major leaguer Chuck Knoblauch had not been tracked down as of early Wednesday evening by federal marshals trying to serve him a subpoena from a House panel investigating steroids in baseball, a committee staffer told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Knoblauch, a four-time All-Star who played for the Yankees, Twins and Royals from 1991-02, originally was asked to appear today for what was supposed to be the first of five depositions or transcribed interviews scheduled by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Those sessions are in preparation for a hearing Feb. 13, when the witnesses are scheduled to include seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee.

Bonds wants dismissal

Barry Bonds asked a federal judge to dismiss perjury charges against him Wednesday, arguing the indictment is"scattershot"and noted for its"striking inartfulness."

Bonds was charged in November with lying to a grand jury about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In the motion filed in San Francisco federal court, the former San Francisco Giant neither admits nor denies taking the drugs, but argues the questions asked by prosecutors during a December 2003 grand jury appearance were vague, ambiguous and confusing.

Yanks set payroll record

The New York Yankees did finish first in something last year -- spending.

While their streak of AL East titles ended at nine, the Yankees wound up with a record payroll of $218.3 million.

The World Series champion Boston Red Sox were a distant second at $155.4 million, according to information received by clubs from the commissioner's office.

In addition to the largest payroll, the Yankees have the highest revenue in the majors. New York took in $415 million last year, giving about $100 million of it away in the sport's revenue-sharing plan.

Briefly

Indians:RHP Rafael Betancourt agreed to a $5.4 million, two-year contract to avoid arbitration.

Devil Rays:RHP James Shields agreed to a $11.25 million, four-year contract. Shields'deal includes three team options that could make it worth about $38 million over seven years. Performance bonuses could boost the value to approximately $44 million.

Padres:General manager Kevin Towers received a two-year contract extension that runs through 2010. Terms were not disclosed.

Pirates:RHP Jaret Wright agreed on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

ONLINE: mlb.com

Roger Clemens at the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association state convention Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 in Waco, Texas. Clemens discusseed conditioning at the convention a month before he is to testify before a congressional committee investigating the Mitchell Report. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens talked about pitching and conditioning. What he didn't talk about was steroids. In a session before about 1,000 Texas high school baseball coaches Saturday, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner stuck to baseball and cracked jokes, making no mention of the allegations in the Mitchell Report that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

"What do you want me to do?"

Brian McNamee asked Roger Clemens that question -- or variations of it -- 21 times during a 17-minute taped conversation.

He never really got an answer.

A recording of last Friday's telephone call between Clemens'former trainer and the seven-time Cy Young Award winner was played at Clemens'long-awaited news conference Monday, the first time he faced a group of reporters since McNamee's accusations were made public in the Mitchell Report on Dec. 13.

"What do you want me to do? I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want,"McNamee said.

"I need somebody to tell the truth, Mac,"Clemens told him.

Never, though, did Clemens angrily confront McNamee during the call nor did he accuse the trainer of lying when he told Mitchell he injected Clemens at least 16 times with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Asked why Clemens never directly answered the"what do you want me to do"question, his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said:"The last thing Roger wanted, just as we did, was any suggestion that we were trying to interfere or coerce a federal witness. So, yeah, all he kept saying [was] nothing. Except you hear him throughout saying,'Tell the truth.'"

Late Sunday, Clemens filed a defamation suit against McNamee in Texas state court, another salvo in the escalating fight between the pair, who had worked together since they met while with the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Emery said McNamee probably will sue Clemens in New York.

Hardin said the pitcher was willing to testify Jan. 16 to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

McNamee also has agreed, and the pair will have to repeat their assertions under oath on Capitol Hill. Hardin said Clemens will deny any use of steroids.

Baseball makes changes

Major League Baseball eliminated a 24-hour notice of drug testing and imposed background checks on clubhouse personnel, adopting recommendations in the Mitchell Report. Also, clubhouse personnel would be subject to drug tests and all packages must be logged in. Personal trainers also were banned.

Briefly

Yankees:Andy Pettitte will be represented by Pittsburgh attorney Jay Reisinger for his upcoming statement to Congress. Reisinger represented Sammy Sosa when he testified three years ago.

Phillies:Jayson Werth (.298, 49 RBI) and Philadelphia agreed to a $1.7 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The 27-year-old Werth started 63 games.

Pirates:Right-hander Elmer Dessens (2-2, 7.15 ERA) has signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh.

Mets:Reliever Duaner Sanchez has agreed to an $850,000, one-year contract.

Roger Clemens posted a video Sunday repeating his denials of the steroids use alleged against him in the Mitchell Report and plans to be interviewed for a future episode of60 Minutes.

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner was accused in the report of using steroids, an allegation made by his former trainer.

In October last year, theLos Angeles Timesreported Clemens was linked to steroids in the May 2006 sworn statement of a federal agent who cited former big league pitcher Jason Grimsley. At the time, the names of players in the public version had been blacked out. When the full affidavit was unsealed Thursday, Clemens'name was not in it, and the paper issued a correction and an apology.

"I faced this last year when theLA Timesreported that I used steroids. I said it was not true then, and now the whole world knows it's not true, now that that's come out,"Clemens said in the video, which was posted Sunday onwww.rogerclemensonline.comand on You Tube.

George Mitchell, a director of the Boston Red Sox and a former Senate majority leader, wrote in his report that former Toronto and New York Yankees strength coach Brian McNamee said he injected Clemens with steroids in 1998 while with the Blue Jays, and in 2000 and 2001 while with the Yankees. McNamee also claimed he injected Clemens with human growth hormone in 2000.

"I did not provide Brian McNamee with any drugs to inject into my body,"Clemens said."Brian McNamee did not inject steroids or human growth hormones into my body either when I played in Toronto for the Blue Jays or the New York Yankees. This report is simply not true."

Baseball players and owners did not jointly ban steroids until September 2002. They did not ban HGH until January 2005.

While Clemens has released a written and video statement since Mitchell issued his report on Dec. 13, he has not answered questions.

"After Christmas, I'm going to sit down with Mike Wallace of60 Minutes, and I'll do an interview, and he'll ask me a ton of questions on this subject, and I'll answer them right there in front of him, and we'll do all of this again,"Clemens said.

CBS spokesman Kevin Tedesco said the interview is scheduled to air Jan. 6.

Mitchell said McNamee, a former personal trainer to Clemens and Yankees and Houston Astros teammate Andy Pettitte, told him Pettitte had used HGH two-to-four times in 2002. Pettitte issued a statement Dec. 15 saying he used HGH twice in 2002.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling called on Roger Clemens to give up the four Cy Young Awards he's won since 1997 if he can't clear his name from allegations that he used steroids to prolong and enhance his career.

"If he doesn't do that, then there aren't many options as a fan for me other than to believe his career 192 wins and three Cy Youngs he won prior to 1997 were the end,"Schilling wrote Wednesday in his blog, 38pitches.com."From that point on the numbers were attained through using [performance-enhancing drugs]."

Schilling noted in the posting that he was a fan of the seven-time Cy Young winner and owed much of his success to a stern talking-to he received from Clemens when Schilling was a prospect in the Boston system.

Noting also the unrefuted evidence against Barry Bonds, Schilling acknowledged he could not avoid questioning Clemens'accomplishments as well.

"If... both of these men end up being caught, what does that say about this game, us as athletes and the future of the sport and our place in it?"

Clemens was named in the report by former Senate majority leader George Mitchell that detailed the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Clemens has denied the allegations.

Schilling commended those who've apologized for using performance-enhancing drugs, and called on everyone accused to prove their innocence or apologize for their mistakes.

"The world is full of good to great people that have made mistakes of this magnitude or worse,"Schilling wrote."These guys made mistakes, and I do mean mistakes. They didn't accidentally do this, this was a conscious decision with far-reaching implications, and they should be held accountable."

Briefly

Mariners:Free-agent pitcher Carlos Silva (13-14, 4.19 ERA with the Twins in'07) and Seattle are close to a four-year, $44 million contract. An announcement is expected today.

Royals:Left-handed reliever and former Ranger Ron Mahay and Kansas City reached a preliminary agreement on a two-year, $8 million contract.

Rockies:Colorado agreed to one-year contracts with right-hander Kip Wells, 30, ($3.1 million plus $1.5 million in potential bonuses) and lefty Mark Redman, 34.

Padres:San Diego agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal (plus a possible $750,000 in bonuses) with catcher Michael Barrett.

Cubs:Former Pittsburgh general manager Dave Littlefield was hired as scout for Chicago on Tuesday.

Boston Red Sox's Curt Schilling pitches against the Colorado Rockies in Game 2 of the baseball World Series on Oct. 25, 2007. at Fenway Park in Boston. Schilling called on Roger Clemens to give up the four Cy Young Awards he's won since 1997 if he can't clear his name from allegations that he used steroids to prolong and enhance his career. " align="left" border="0">

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling called on Roger Clemens to give up the four Cy Young Awards he's won since 1997 if he can't clear his name from allegations that he used steroids to prolong and enhance his career. "If he doesn't do that then there aren't many options as a fan for me other than to believe his career 192 wins and three Cy Youngs he won prior to 1997 were the end," Schilling...

Major League Baseball has begun to review a draft of George Mitchell's report on drug use in the sport, one of the final steps before the results of his investigation are released.

Baseball reviewed a draft Tuesday at the Manhattan office of DLA Piper, the law firm that Mitchell chairs, a baseball official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because Mitchell hasn't authorized any statements. The report likely will be released Thursday.

Baseball officials have said for several weeks that management would be able to examine the report on performance-enhancing drugs a few days before it is made public to make sure it does not contain any confidential information that would violate the collective bargaining agreement.

The joint drug agreement, which has been part of the labor contract since September 2002, prohibits the commissioner's office, teams and consultants from disclosing player test results, treatment and other information except in specified circumstances.

He's expected by many in baseball to be critical of the sport for being slow to react to its drug problem in the 1990s and beyond.

Rangers sign pitchers

The Rangers signed seven pitchers to minor league contracts, but extended an invitation to major league training camp to only pitcher Franklyn German.

The right-handed reliever spent last season at Triple-A Oklahoma, going 2-2 with seven saves in 47 appearances. He has big-league experience with the Tigers and Marlins.

Other signed were right-handers Jake Ditler, Adalberto Flores, Alfredo Gonzales and Corey Ragsdale and lefties Eric Cyr and Carlos A. Perez.

Ragsdale was a shortstop until the Mets converted him into a pitcher in June.

-- Jeff Wilson

Briefly

Cubs:The Cubs signed Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year deal. Terms of the deal, which will be announced today, were not known, though it's believed to be $50 million to $56 million.

Padres:Cy Young winner Jake Peavy took a physical and the two sides anticipated finalizing a $52 million, three-year contract extension today.

Rockies:Pitcher Aaron Cook agreed to a new contract with Colorado. Cook was set to earn $4.5 million next year. His new deal adds a $2.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $8.75 million in 2009, $9 million in 2010 and $9.25 million in 2011.

Twins:Outfielder Craig Monroe and Minnesota have agreed to a $3.82 million, one-year contract.

Yankees:Carl Pavano has not yet decided whether to accept a minor league contract from the Yankees.

Brewers:Catcher Eric Munson and Milwaukee agreed to a $525,000, one-year contract.

ONLINE: mlb.com

Angels owner Arte Moreno said Wednesday the report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball will include names of players.

"The names of players will come out that people will be mad about,"Moreno, quoted by theLos Angeles Timesin Thursday's editions, said."Some of my information is second-hand, but I know there's going to be names."

Moreno did not elaborate as to why he felt players, fans, management officials and others would be angered by the identity of any names that come from the report.

The subject came up after the Angels held a news conference to introduce center fielder Torii Hunter, who was signed last week to a $90 million free-agent contract, and right-hander Jon Garland, who was acquired from the White Sox.

Moreno did not say how he came upon such information. He told theTimeshe has urged commissioner Bud Selig's office to be"proactive"in ridding the sport of banned substances.

"Anyone who tries to cheat the system shouldn't be in baseball,"Moreno said."If you've got dirty laundry, get it out there and get rid of it."

Reyes untouchable

The Mets need pitching and they'd love to land Johan Santana. Not enough to trade star shortstop Jose Reyes, though.

"Jose Reyes is one of our core players,"general manager Omar Minaya said Thursday."I don't see us trading Jose Reyes for one of those guys being mentioned. It just doesn't make sense for us."

The Minnesota Twins are listening to trade offers for Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who can become a free agent after next season.

The Mets are one of several big-budget teams thought to be interested, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels.

The Mets think they might have a package of prospects that could bring back a top starting pitcher, but Minnesota may want the 24-year-old Reyes included in any potential deal for Santana.

Bonds movie

HBO Films is planning to turn a best-selling book about Barry Bonds'alleged steroid use and the government's wide-ranging probe into performance-enhancing drug use in sports into a movie, one of the book's authors said Thursday.

Lance Williams, a reporter at theSan Francisco Chronicle, said that Ron Shelton has been tapped to direct the flick and will co-write the script withTin Cuppartner John Norville once the Hollywood writers strike is settled.

The planned movie based on the bookGame of Shadowswas first reported Wednesday byVariety.

Williams co-wrote the book with sports writer Mark Fainaru-Wada, who recently left theChronicleto join ESPN.

Much of the book was based on secret grand jury testimony of Bonds and others leaked to them by Troy Ellerman, a disbarred attorney sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for denying under oath he was the reporters'source.

The book recounts how Bonds allegedly began using steroids in 1999 after becoming jealous of Mark McGwire setting Major League Baseball's single-season home run mark the previous season.

Briefly

Jorge Posada, shown in this 2007 file photo, and the New York Yankees finalized their $52.4 million, four-year contract on Thursday Nov. 29, 2007, more than two weeks after the All-Star catcher and the team reached a preliminary agreement on the deal. " align="left" border="0">

The way Jorge Posada sees it, the New York Yankees must add an ace to their rotation. That's why he wants Johan Santana pitching in pinstripes next year. "We need a No. 1," Posada said Thursday after the All-Star catcher finalized his new contract with the Yankees. "I would love to have him." New York is involved in trade talks with the Minnesota Twins about their two-time Cy Young Award winner, who...

Atlanta Braves' Tom Glavine works against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game Aug. 8, 2002, in Phoenix. The Braves would like to get Glavine back after a five-year absence. New general manager Frank Wren spoke with both the two-time Cy Young Award winner and his agent, Gregg Clifton. Wren said Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, that he will call again next week, after teams can start making offers to free agents. " align="left" border="0">

The Braves made an offer to Tom Glavine on Friday, moving quickly to lock up a deal that will allow the left-hander to finish his career in Atlanta. Just two days after meeting with Glavine's agent in Phoenix, Braves general manager Frank Wren proposed a contract to the 41-year-old pitcher, who likely will command somewhere between $8 million and $10 million for the 2008 season.

San Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy talks about winning baseball's National League Cy Young Award, during a news conference Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, in San Diego. Peavy led the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts. " align="left" border="0">

Padres general manager Kevin Towers had a good feeling about Jake Peavy before he'd even seen the right-hander throw a pitch. Towers sat next to Peavy in the stands at Class A Fort Wayne back in 2000 as the 19-year-old charted pitches during a game. The GM was beyond impressed with the youngster's observations.

C.C. Sabathia beat Josh Beckett at last -- albeit a few weeks later than he hoped.

Sabathia won the AL Cy Young Award on Tuesday, topping Boston's ace and two other worthy contenders by a comfortable margin to become the first Cleveland Indians pitcher in 35 years to earn the honor.

Sabathia received 19 of 28 first-place votes and finished with 119 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers'Association of America. Beckett, who outpitched Sabathia twice in the playoffs, was second with eight first-place votes and 86 points.

It might have gone Beckett's way if October results counted. Voting took place before the postseason, when Sabathia struggled as Beckett put together a string of dominant outings to help Boston win the World Series.

Beckett trounced Sabathia two times in the AL championship series and went 4-0 with a 1.20 ERA in four postseason starts, striking out 35 and walking two. Sabathia was 1-2 with an 8.80 ERA and 13 walks in three playoff outings.

John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels got the other first-place vote and came in third. Cleveland's Fausto Carmona was fourth.

Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 209 strikeouts, pitching a major league-high 241 innings. Beckett was 20-7 with a 3.27 ERA.

The only other Indians pitcher to win the award was Gaylord Perry in 1972.

Briefly

Yankees:Relief pitcher Mariano Rivera was offered a three-year, $45 million contract to stay with the New York Yankees. Rivera was allowed to start discussing money with other teams Tuesday.

Mets:Ramon Castro and the Mets closed in on a two-year contract that would keep their second-string catcher in New York. Castro filed for free agency after batting .285 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI.

Twins:Outfielder Craig Monroe was acquired by Minnesota from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later. The 30-year-old hit .219 with 12 homers and 59 RBI this year from the Tigers and the Cubs.

Nationals:The Nationals will play the Baltimore Orioles on March 29 in an exhibition game to test out Washington's new ballpark. Tickets won't be sold for that game. People who own season-ticket packages will be able to attend for free; other tickets will be given away.

Awards schedule

The upcoming Baseball Writers'Association of America awards announcements:

Today:AL and NL Manager of the Year awards

Thursday:NL Cy Young Award

Monday:AL Most Valuable Player award

Tuesday:NL Most Valuable Player award

Cleveland Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia smiles during a news conference at Fenway Park in Boston, in this Oct. 11, 2007 file photo. Sabathia was voted the AL Cy Young Award winner Tuesday Nov. 13, 2007. " align="left" border="0">

C.C. Sabathia scanned the stats, comparing himself to Josh Beckett and other top pitchers in the American League. This time, Sabathia was good enough to beat Boston's ace -- albeit a few weeks later than he hoped. The big left-hander won the AL Cy Young Award on Tuesday, topping Beckett and two other worthy contenders by a comfortable margin to become the first Cleveland Indians pitcher in 35 years...

San Francisco Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel, right, jumps over San Diego Padres' Scott Hairston, left, after Vizquel couldn't handle the throw during the fourth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 in San Diego. Hairston was safe at second on a hit by the Padres' Josh Bard. " align="left" border="0">

Jake Peavy's goal is to get his San Diego Padres back to the playoffs for the third straight season. Along the way, he's putting together an impressive resume for the NL Cy Young Award. The right-hander lowered his major league-leading ERA to 2.39, struck out 10 to take over the big league lead with 225 and pitched the Padres to a 5-1 win Sunday over the last-place San Francisco Giants.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Webb winds up to deliver a pitch to Milwaukee Brewers' Craig Counsell in the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, in Phoenix. Webb earned his 14th win of the season as the Diamondbacks defeated the Brewers 3-2. " align="left" border="0">

Brandon Webb felt relieved when his shutout streak ended at 42 innings Wednesday night. The Arizona ace allowed a run in the first but won his sixth consecutive start to lead the Diamondbacks past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2. "I was feeling it a little earlier in the day with all the attention," said Webb, the reigning NL Cy Young winner.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb throws during his complete game, five-hit shutout against the Washington Nationals in a baseball game Saturday, Aug 11, 2007, in Phoenix. " align="left" border="0">

When Brandon Webb takes the mound for Arizona lately, one run for the Diamondbacks is plenty. The reigning NL Cy Young award winner pitched his second shutout in a row to extend his scoreless inning streak to a club-record 33 Saturday night and lead the Diamondbacks to their 17th victory in 20 games, 1-0 over the Washington Nationals.

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder, left, and starting pitcher Brandon Webb celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 3-0, in their Major League Baseball game, Sunday, Aug 5, 2007, in Los Angeles. " align="left" border="0">

The Arizona Diamondbacks got a third straight Webb gem from their reigning Cy Young winner and set the sputtering Los Angeles Dodgers back on their heels. Brandon Webb outpitched two-time All-Star Brad Penny in one of the best marquee matchups of the season, throwing his fifth career shutout on Sunday and leading the NL West-leading Diamondbacks to a 3-0 victory that polished off a three-game...

For this one, the Rocket threw a gem.

Roger Clemens reached one of baseball's rare milestones -- 350 victories -- by pitching eight innings of two-hit ball as the host New York Yankees shut down the Minnesota Twins 5-1 on Monday.

Bobby Abreu hit a go-ahead homer and finished with three hits for the Yankees, who won for only the third time in 12 games. Alex Rodriguez got his 80th RBI on a first-inning grounder, then left in the sixth because of a strained left hamstring.

But the story was Clemens, who turns 45 next month. He became only the eighth pitcher in major league history with 350 wins and only the second in the past 75 years.

A seven-time Cy Young Award winner, Clemens (2-3) retired the final 15 batters he faced and threw strikes on 67 of his 97 pitches.

"I hope this is something that my body is telling me I'm getting stronger,"Clemens said.

Career wins

Detroit Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon, center, argues with home plate umpire Marty Foster, left, after he was ejected for questioning a called third strike to Magglio Ordonez in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, June 29, 2007 in Detroit. The Tigers lost to the Minnesota Twins 11-1. " align="left" border="0">

The anticipated matchup between a two-time Cy Young Award winner and a former American League Rookie of the Year never materialized. Joe Mauer hit his first career grand slam and Johan Santana scattered five hits over six innings, outpitching Justin Verlander and leading the Minnesota Twins past the Detroit Tigers 11-1 on Friday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe walks off the mound after giving up an RBI single to Arizona Diamondbacks' Eric Byrnes in the seventh inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 27, 2007, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks defeated the Dodgers 2-0. " align="left" border="0">

Brandon Webb said he needed to "stop the bleeding" after the Arizona Diamondbacks lost back-to-back games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. And that's what the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner did. Overcoming uncharacteristic wildness, Webb threw seven shutout innings to lead the Diamondbacks to a 2-0 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night.

Minnesota Twins' Jeff Cirillo hits a ninth-inning single in the Twins 9-0 shutout of the New York Mets in their interleague baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Tuesday, June 19, 2007. Cirillo had three hits. " align="left" border="0">

Handed a huge lead against a struggling team, Johan Santana simply threw strikes and let 'em hit it. The two-time Cy Young Award winner rarely has it so easy. Santana pitched a four-hitter -- with only one strikeout -- for his first shutout in nearly two years, and the Minnesota Twins took advantage of four early errors Tuesday night in a 9-0 rout of the New York Mets.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Eric Byrnes, right, walks back to the dugout after popping out to New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada during the first inning in Major League Baseball action Tuesday, June, 12, 2007 at Yankee Stadium in New York. " align="left" border="0">

Brandon Webb and Chien-Ming Wang went head-to-head, sinker for sinker, and even the NL Cy Young Award winner was unable to stop the surging Yankees. Wang outpitched Webb in a marquee matchup of exceptional sinkerballers, and streaking Bobby Abreu hit an early three-run homer to help New York beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 on Tuesday night for its seventh consecutive victory.

New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens rolls a batting screen off the field before fielding drills during a workout at the Yankees' minor league baseball complex Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in Tampa, Fla. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens is set to make his 2007 major league debut Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates after throwing 55 pitches during batting practice at the New York Yankees' minor league complex. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner made 21 throws in the outfield and eight warmup tosses Wednesday before his 20-minute batting practice session against players from the Yankees' extended spring training...

New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens signs autographs for Yankees fans who gathered to watch a telecast of the Yankees against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at Bryant Park in New York. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens resumed his workouts at the New York Yankees' minor league complex, still aiming to make his 2007 debut Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner threw in the outfield and briefly off a bullpen mound Tuesday, one day after an MRI exam showed a scar-tissue injury in his right groin.

Roger Clemens pounds a fist with a teammate after pitching for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in Moosic, Pa., on Monday, May 28, 2007. Clemens pitched six shutout innings, throwing 89 pitches, 58 for strikes, as he tunes up for his return to the New York Yankees." align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens appears ready to rejoin the New York Yankees' starting rotation. Clemens pitched six shutout innings for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a 2-0 victory over Toledo on Monday, leaving to a standing ovation from an overflow crowd in what was likely his final minor league tuneup. "My arm feels great," the seven-time Cy Young Award winner said.

New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens listens to a question at a news conference after he pitched five and one third innings of baseball for the Trenton Thunder against the Portland Sea Dogs Wednesday, May 23, 2007. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens didn't look ready for the major leagues on Wednesday night. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings while pitching for the New York Yankees' Double-A Trenton farm team against Boston's Portland, Maine, affiliate. Clemens wasn't bothered by the results.

Roger Clemens, left, throws in the outfield as New York Yankees pitching coach Ron Guidry stands by, after the Yankees announced Clemens would rejoin the team, following the Yankees' 5-0 shutout of the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, May 6, 2007. " align="left" border="0">

Roger Clemens' first game in the minors in his return to the New York Yankees will likely come by next weekend. Yankees manager Joe Torre said Friday that the seven-time Cy Young Award winner will make his first start for Class-A Tampa either next Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Clemens, who agreed to a $28,000,022 contract for the remainder of the season earlier this week, is scheduled to arrive at...

New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, left, loses control of the ball as Arizona Diamondbacks Chris Young, right, slides safely into the second as the Mets muffed the double play attempt in the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 5, 2007, in Phoenix." align="left" border="0">

Jorge Sosa returned to the major leagues and pitched well enough that he may stick around for a while. Sosa, recalled from Triple-A New Orleans earlier in the day, outpitched reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb and the New York Mets beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 Saturday night for their 13th straight victory at Chase Field.

Chris Carpenter of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team appears in this 2007 file photo. Carpenter, sidelined since opening day with an elbow injury, will undergo arthroscopic surgery early next week after suffering a setback in his rehab program. Carpenter, a 15-game winner last year and the NL Cy Young award winner in 2005, will be out at least three months, the team said Saturday, May 5, 2007. " align="left" border="0">

Until a few days ago, Chris Carpenter had been eagerly anticipating his return to the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation. Now the staff ace's next start might be in August. The team announced Saturday that Carpenter, sidelined since starting opening day by an elbow injury, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to trim bone spurs that have caused persistent swelling.

Minnesota Twins starter Johan Santana pitches against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, April 29, 2007, in Detroit. Santana gave up three runs and eight hits in six innings for Minnesota. The AL Cy Young Award winner allowed two homers for the first time this season. The Tigers beat the Twins 4-3. " align="left" border="0">

Brandon Inge is hoping to close out a rough first month of the season with a flourish. Inge's leadoff homer in the ninth inning gave the Detroit Tigers a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Inge entered the game hitting .122, but had three hits, including the winning drive into the left-field stands off Jesse Crain (1-2) in the ninth.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito pitches to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during a baseball game, Saturday, April 21, 2007, in San Francisco.The Giants beat the Diamondbacks, 1-0. " align="left" border="0">

The Barry Zito that San Francisco Giants fans saw in his first two starts of the season looked nothing like a former Cy Young Award winner who just signed the richest contract ever for a pitcher. Now that he's no longer trying to live up to the expectations that came with his $126 million contract, Zito has once again found his groove.

Minnesota Twins' Johan Santana pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning, in this Aug. 28, 2005 file photo, in Arlington, Texas. " align="left" border="0">

By winning his second AL Cy Young Award in three years, Johan Santana set himself up for a big payday when his contract expires after the 2008 season. While the Minnesota Twins ponder the possibility of negotiating an expensive extension with their star left-hander this spring, they also will be preparing to rely on him even more given the uncertainty behind him in the rotation following Brad...

New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver, left, receives his third Cy Young Award from Jack Lang, secretary-treasurer of the Baseball Writers Association, in New York on May 7, 1976. Lang, a Hall of Fame baseball writer who for two decades had the pleasant assignment of telling players they'd been elected to Cooperstown, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at age 85. (AP Photo,file)" align="left" border="0">

Jack Lang, a Hall of Fame baseball writer who for two decades had the pleasant assignment of telling players they'd been elected to Cooperstown, died Thursday. He was 85. Lang had been ill for an extended period with a variety of ailments. He died at a rehabilitation center in Huntington, said his lawyer, Kevin Brosnahan.