Source: Pineiro expected to sign with Red Sox … Free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro is closing in on a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, two baseball sources told ESPN.com.  The deal is believed to be worth a guaranteed $4 million plus incentives, and is conditional on Pineiro passing a physical exam.

Room for improvement (cont.)  —  6. Giants.  If their youth movement appears to consist of one man (Barry Zito), it's a good one to have.  Stat lovers find fault with Zito's WHIP (walks and hits per inning), but he's a winner, he's dependable, he knows the territory and his 3.55 ERA will go below 3 in the National League.

Unit close to return to D-Backs  —  Randy Johnson didn't make it home for the holidays, but he could be home soon.  —  Johnson, winner of four consecutive Cy Young awards with the Diamondbacks, seems certain to return to Arizona, but not just yet.  It likely will take a couple more days …

Pirates Notebook: Lawrence in team's sights  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates are among the finalists to sign free agent Brian Lawrence, who twice was the San Diego Padres' opening-day starter but missed all of last season after having shoulder surgery.

Fingers owes Wisconsin over $1.4M  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) - Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers owes Wisconsin more than $1.4 million in income taxes and is the seventh biggest tax delinquent in the state.  —  The state Department of Revenue lists Roland G. Fingers as owing $1,433,609.

Lifelong Red Sox fan dies at 112  —  MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. — Kathryn Gemme, a lifelong Red Sox fan who followed the team since the days of Babe Ruth, has died.  She was 112.  —  Gemme died at the Nemasket Healthcare Center in Middleborough on Friday, according to the O'Neill Funeral Home.

After repeated denials, Saban takes Bama job  —  Nick Saban has accepted an offer from Alabama to coach the Crimson Tide and leave the Miami Dolphins, two weeks after declaring "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach."  —  Saban's agreement with Alabama is for eight years and a fully-guaranteed $32 million …

Embattled Ponson agrees to minor league deal with Twins  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Sidney Ponson will try again this spring to revive his once-promising career, and the Minnesota Twins will feel a little bit better about their rotation if he's successful.

A Deadspin Special Report: Another Vixen Thrown Into the Mix  —  So, progress has been limited thus far.  I've put in the call to both Justine Gilman and Lori Nelson (advisor and "coach", respectively) of the fabled Song Girls but I am not expecting a message return.

Here Today  —  Most of the names have gotten out by now, but little scenes, watched from across the newsroom, fill in the blanks.  The home and design writer arrives with an empty cardbox box, here to pick up her things.  She got word late yesterday.  Same with the fine arts editor.

Howard should expect raise of about $1 million  —  Ryan Howard is shopping for a new agent.  As far as the Phillies are concerned, he can take his time.  —  "We're not doing something on Ryan Howard.  He's not our priority," assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

Around the Horn: Catchers  —  Miller gearing up for new role as reserve backstop in 2007 … MILWAUKEE — Brewers catcher Damian Miller spent some time last summer talking about preparation with Jeff Cirillo, a fellow veteran who successfully made the transition from full-time starter to part-time fill-in.

O'Dowd: Bench help on the way  —  With two 40-man spots open, the Rockies' roster roulette is close to stopping on a left-handed bat off the bench and a catcher.  —  Colorado has agreed in principle with a reserve hitter, though general manager Dan O'Dowd said Tuesday he wasn't ready to reveal the player.

Free Agents (Still) Worth Watching  —  When Barry Zito and Jeff Suppan signed their contracts last week, it felt a bit like the free-agent season was coming to a close.  It's probably true that we've seen the last eight-figure annual contract (until Roger Clemens makes a decision, anyway) …

Around the Horn: Catchers  —  Taking over for Piazza, Lo Duca makes the position his own … NEW YORK — Paul Lo Duca hadn't yet completed the first eight innings of his Mets tenure when he already made his share of positive first impressions: a run-scoring single in the third inning …

Lemieux meeting today with K.C. officials  —  Pens' owners also set to discuss 'Plan B' with city, Pa. leaders  —  By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Kansas City officials, eager to find an anchor tenant for a new arena, will get their first opportunity to lure the Penguins there today.

2006 Baseball America Prospect Handbook  —  AVAILABLE NOW.  SHIPPED USPS PRIORITY MAIL.  The 2006 Prospect Handbook is the definitive annual reference title on prospects.  This book profiles the top 30 prospects in each organization - 900 prospect reviews in all!

Player Profile  —  Coco Crisp  —  After acquiring one of the top prospects in the minors in Andy Marte for Edgar Renteria last offseason, the Boston Red Sox shipped Marte and Kelly Shoppach to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for David Riske, Josh Bard, and Coco Crisp …