D-Backs wary of Johnson's back  —  At his first news conference as a new member of the New York Yankees, Randy Johnson was asked what he thought he had to prove in spring training.  —  "That I don't need a walker," Johnson replied.  —  He was joking about his age.  Mind you, that was two years ago.

Angels will be Hillenbrand's fifth team since '01  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Free agent first baseman Shea Hillenbrand and the Los Angeles Angels agreed Tuesday to a $6.5 million, one-year contract.  —  Hillenbrand, who split last season between Toronto and San Francisco, gets $6 million next year …

Cooper: Rangers prospects worth trading McCarthy  —  It was Don Cooper's turn to talk White Sox fans off the ledge Tuesday.  —  The Sox pitching coach fully endorses the offseason moves made by general manager Ken Williams, and added, ''I'm not just kissing the GM's ass.''

The Memory Remains  —  We often hear about pitchers setting up batters, changing eye level, throwing pitches out of the zone, pitching backwards, etc.  Instinct and reaction are of utmost importance in catching, throwing, and hitting, but pitching is deliberate.  First pitch strike?  Inside or outside?

How Good Is Your #4 Starter?  —  When pundits talk about a free-agent pitcher, they often refer to him as a "#3 starter" or, say, a "#4 starter for a contender."  It's common enough usage that most baseball fans know what that means, or at least know what the pundits are getting at.

New owners take control  —  Soriano's exploits, sale of club, new stadium highlight 2006  —  WASHINGTON — Although the Nationals endured a disappointing season that started with a 9-21 record in Spring Training, there were some exciting moments in the 2006 campaign.

Upstart Marlins net surprising season  —  Young squad comes together to exceed initial expectations  —  MIAMI — Typically, losing 84 games is not considered a rewarding season.  —  Then again, 2006 was anything but an ordinary year for the unpredictable Florida Marlins.

Padres interested in Mariners' Beltre  —  The Padres, continuing their search for a third baseman, are taking aim at a talented, expensive and perhaps unattainable option — the Mariners' Adrian Beltre.  —  The Mariners likely will entertain offers for Beltre only if they fall out of contention by the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

He uncovers a rare gem and shares it with the artist  —  Not everything was for sale this holiday season.  —  A Claremont man, for instance, discovered in an old box a rare, vintage recording of an immensely popular and critically acclaimed artist, spent hours digitizing it to improve …

Tribe close to deal with Foulke  —  Reliever's agent says contract could be finalized this week  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians are closing in on another closing candidate.  —  The club is on the verge of signing free-agent right-hander Keith Foulke to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2008 …

Rangers couldn't wait for help  —  Lack of homegrown pitching talent forced team to move Danks  —  There are Rangers fans out there who are still wandering through the house, picking up rivers of ribbon, pieces of paper and tendrils of tinsel in a daze.  —  Yes, the gift-giving frenzy can leave a person in that zombie-like state.