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.

Big Unit to Arizona all but finalized  —  A source close to the situation has told Newsday that Randy Johnson has already agreed to a one-year extension with the Diamondbacks.  —  Randy Johnson is now on board with his trade back to Arizona.  All that's left is for the Yankees and Diamondbacks …

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.

Loretta won't be coming to Rangers  —  Free agent infielder Mark Loretta, to whom the Rangers extended a contract offer last month, has told the club he will sign elsewhere, a club source said Wednesday.  —  That means chances continue to improve that either or both of the club's top …

Study claims imaging tests show larger rubber core  —  CLEVELAND — A company that uses computer imaging claims baseballs had a larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring in 1998, including the ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th homer.  —  Universal Medical Systems Inc. said Wednesday …

Zito to A's fans: Seats available  —  SAN FRANCISCO - For $126 million, the Giants are getting more than a pitcher in Barry Zito.  They're getting a pitch man.  —  "Oakland fans, if you guys are bored while the A's are out of town, come on over," Zito said Wednesday.  "I think we've got some seats for you."

Cards have chance to keep Mulder  —  As the pursuit of free agent lefthander Mark Mulder nears a resolution, Texas and Cleveland have recently upped the ante on the Cardinals.  But as promised, the pitcher's agent is circling back to the Cardinals to give them a chance to revise their proposal.

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.

Ramirez won't resume winter ball  —  Shortstop denied request due to recent shoulder injury  —  MIAMI — The competitor in Hanley Ramirez wanted to keep playing winter ball, despite a recent shoulder injury.  The Marlins, however, had other ideas.  —  On Tuesday night …

Nationals still interested in Ohka  —  Righty previously spent three-plus seasons with organization  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals still are looking for starting pitching, and right-hander Tomo Ohka is on the top of the list.  But whether they can sign him is another story.

After Rotation, Yankees Still Seek Help at First  —  The Yankees continued their attempt to trade Randy Johnson yesterday, talking with multiple teams about a deal.  The most likely match remains Johnson's former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, but Arizona has not been granted a 72-hour window to speak with him.