Adding Mientkiewicz Shifts Giambi to D.H.  —  When Doug Mientkiewicz was a rookie, struggling to stick with the Minnesota Twins, Jason Giambi pulled him aside for a pep talk.  Giambi was a star for the Oakland Athletics at the time, and Mientkiewicz did not know him.  But the encouragement helped.

Giants bring back Alou as a special assistant to GM  —  Former manager will help Sabean with scouting and player development  —  SAN FRANCISCO - During the final months last season, Felipe Alou bemoaned the drudgery of packing his suitcase for road trips.  —  "There will come a day I put …

Uribe says he may sit out season  —  SAN CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic — Chicago White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe may sit out the 2007 season after a judge ordered him to make twice-monthly court appearances in a Dominican Republic shooting case.  —  "I am going to decide if I am playing …

Jays replacing Mets in HOF Game  —  Will face Baltimore in rematch of 1998 Cooperstown contest  —  Due to a television scheduling conflict, Major League Baseball announced Friday that the Blue Jays will replace the Mets in the upcoming Hall of Fame Game, which is scheduled for May 21 at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Lopez nearly here, Gonzalez nearly gone  —  As free-agent catcher Javy Lopez prepares to join the Rockies, the club is discussing utilityman Luis Gonzalez's potential exit to Japan's Yomiuri Giants.  —  Lopez is expected to sign Monday, ending the club's winterlong pursuit of the former all-star.

Nationals offer contracts to five pitchers  —  Washington eyes right-handers, depth for starting rotation  —  WASHINGTON — In need of depth in the starting rotation, the Nationals have offered contracts to right-handers Tony Armas Jr., Ramon Ortiz, Steve Trachsel, Jorge Sosa and Jerome Williams …

Unit to lead youth movement  —  The seven degrees of Randy:  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks trade Randy Johnson to the New York Yankees for Javier Vazquez, Brad Halsey, Dioner Navarro and $9 million, thus initiating the Randy-go-'round.  —  Later that same day, the Diamondbacks trade Navarro …

Special Guest Post!  —  New York FJM Correspondent America's Sweetheart files this report in re: the Randy Johnson trade (the whole thing, I believe, is non-verbatim, which we normally do not do, but for America's Sweetheart, we at FJM make an exception).  —  America's Sweetheart writes...

Rewriting history  —  Selig finally appreciated for his work as commissioner  —  Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, who picks up an award or honor almost every other week now, recently was named Sports Executive of the Year by the Sports Business Journal.  And no one even thought about snickering.

My Hall of Fame Ballot  —  Next Tuesday, the Hall of Fame will announce the results of the 2007 BBWAA balloting.  Unlike last year, when just one player earned induction and no newly-eligible players made a dent in the voting, this year's voting will certainly honor two first-time eligibles and could see at least one other elected.

D-backs close in on deal with Johnson  —  Moorad, Byrnes have productive talks with Unit's agents  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs inched closer to reaching an agreement with Randy Johnson on Friday.  —  Johnson's agents, Barry Meister and Alan Nero, spoke via conference call …

Versatile Hairston returns to Rangers  —  Utilityman who played six positions last season resigned to the minors  —  The Rangers sought to fortify their bench Friday by resigning utilityman Jerry Hairston Jr. to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.

Indians offer contract to Mulder  —  Incentives may raise two-year deal to roughly $18 million  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians entered the offseason with the luxury of having five established starters on board and under contract for '07.  —  But that isn't stopping the club from pursuing an intriguing name on the free-agent market.

Hackman aiming to impress in Mexico  —  Right-hander has pitched shutout ball over last three outings  —  Luther Hackman is looking to impress someone in Mexico.  The 32-year-old right-hander has played in parts of five Major League seasons with three teams, with his best campaign coming in 2002 …

Mariners sign ex-Braves closer Reitsma for one year  —  SEATTLE — Former Atlanta Braves closer Chris Reitsma agreed Friday to a $2.05 million, one-year contract with Seattle to become the Mariners' setup reliever.  —  Reitsma gets $1.35 million this year and can earn additional bonuses based on appearances and games finished.