The Rumor Mill: Coffee is for Closers  —  A lot of people we have spoken with over the last few weeks are mixed on their reactions to the New York Mets' offseason.  —  Sees like those who are confused about what Mets general manager Omar Minaya's motivations and machinations are …

Nationals agree to terms with pitchers Jerome Williams and Brandon Claussen  —  The Washington Nationals today added depth to their starting rotation by agreeing to terms with 25 year-old right-handed pitcher Jerome Williams on a one-year contract.  The Nationals also agreed to terms …

Bucs shuffle ownership structure  —  Nutting to lead organization, McClatchy stays on as CEO  —  PITTSBURGH — The Pirates announced on Friday that they have requested Major League Baseball to approve a change of control within the team's ownership group.  —  Under the proposed move …

Dodgers to open all-you-can-eat section  —  LOS ANGELES — Right field at Dodger Stadium used to feature cheap seats.  This year, there will be lots of food and seats that are no longer cheap.  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are converting their right-field pavilion into all-you-can-eat bleachers.

LO DUCA'S AGENT RETORTS THOMSON  —  Paul Lo Duca's agent, Dave Stewart, hadn't seen the critical comments Blue Jays righty John Thomson made about his client Wednesday afternoon.  He hadn't spoken to the Mets catcher as of yesterday afternoon, so he doubted Lo Duca had seen them, either.

Decision on Lopez soon … Rodrigo Lopez has been the Orioles' Opening Day starter three of the past five seasons, but it is becoming more and more unlikely that he'll be on the team's roster when spring training begins.  —  The Orioles, whose rotation is set, have been listening to inquiries …

Hernandez stepping up in Dominican  —  Infielder swinging a hot bat in playoffs for Tigres del Licey  —  It's been an interesting year for Anderson Hernandez.  —  Nine months ago, he was the New York Mets' Opening Day second baseman.  A back injury derailed the 24-year-old infielder …

Big Mac got his just due  —  I'd like to tell you that justice was served Tuesday, when Baseball Hall of Fame voters slammed the door in Mark McGwire's face.  I just don't know for sure if that's true.  —  Oh, McGwire got what he deserved, I don't doubt that.

Tigers announce deal with FM affiliate  —  Agreement includes three-year extension with WXYT-AM 1270  —  DETROIT — The Tigers aren't moving down the dial.  Instead, they're adding a different frequency.  —  After six years of game broadcasts on WXYT-AM 1270 as the flagship of the Tigers radio network …

Astros sign Hidalgo to Minor League contract  —  Outfielder hit 134 home runs in eight seasons with Houston; Will attend Major League Spring Training  —  HOUSTON — The Houston Astros announced today that the club has signed outfielder Richard Hidalgo to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

Under The Knife  —  Bonds Tests Positive  —  So now we have the definitive word: Barry Bonds did test positive...just not for the substance everyone expected.  T.J. Quinn of the New York Daily News broke the story when sources told him that Bonds failed a test in 2006 for amphetamines.

Ringolsby: Relief should come for Gossage next year  —  This time, the bad news wasn't so bad for Goose Gossage.  —  For the eighth time, the door to Cooperstown was shut in his face.  —  This time, though, it wasn't slammed.  In fact, it was left slightly ajar.