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 …

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 …

Nuttings take control of Pirates  —  TRIBUNE-REVIEW  —  Bob Nutting became the seventh principal owner in Pirates history today, after control of the franchise was shifted to him from Kevin McClatchy.  —  "I am deeply and resolutely committed to the success of the Pittsburgh Pirates …

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 …

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.

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.

A's make play for free agent Erstad  —  Assistant GM Forst confirms one-year contract offer  —  OAKLAND — The A's have made a one-year contract offer to free-agent first baseman/outfielder Darin Erstad, MLB.com learned on Friday afternoon.  —  Oakland assistant general manager David Forst …

Relocating a team to Portland makes sense  —  The idea of baseball in Portland, Ore., is new for a lot of people.  But it has been a lifetime habit for Boston Red Sox icon Johnny Pesky, and he's 87 years old.  —  Pesky was born in 1919 and grew up following his hometown Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League.

Nelson calls it quits as a Yankee  —  Pitcher agrees to minor league contract, then retires  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Jeff Nelson wanted to retire as a member of the New York Yankees, so he agreed Friday to a minor league contract and then said he wouldn't play anymore.

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 …

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.