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.

Fingers owes Wisconsin more than $1.4 million in income taxes  —  MILWAUKEE - 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.

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.

Prospectus Today  —  Oooooooo Say Can You Hope?  —  friendly  —  Contact  —  The Orioles made another free-agent signing this week, this time actually addressing a need.  By picking up Aubrey Huff on a three-year contract, the Orioles attempted to improve on the atrocious performance they've …

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.

Rockies agree to terms on two-year contract with infielder Jamey Carroll  —  Deal will be final upon completion of a phyisical; Includes club option for 2009  —  DENVER — The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have agreed to terms on a two-year contract for 2007 and 2008 with infielder Jamey Carroll.

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.

Misery Loves Company  —  The first month or so of the 2007 season could be even worse than expected, Nats fans.  The Post's Barry Svrluga today woke up from his holiday slumber to give us some discouraging injury news about everyone's favorite bionic man, Nick Johnson: … And as if that wasn't enough:

Healthy Guzman ready to take back job  —  With Vidro gone and move of Lopez, shortstop is open  —  WASHINGTON — By trading second baseman Jose Vidro to the Mariners and announcing that Felipe Lopez will switch from shortstop to second base, the Nationals sent a strong message to the public …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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) …