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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Rangers want, likely won't get Loretta  —  Texas makes offer, but utility infielder wants more playing time  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers have made an offer to utility infielder Mark Loretta, but they have been told that he will sign somewhere else.  —  Texas is looking for a utility infielder …

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.

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.

'Incentive' key word in Arizona's interest in Big Unit  —  For winning the NL Cy Young Award in November, Arizona ace Brandon Webb received in the form of an incentive payment exactly ... zero dollars.  —  Minnesota's Johan Santana, meanwhile, earned $100,000 for winning the AL Cy Young.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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) …