Brewers designate Mench for assignment  —  The Milwaukee Brewers have designated outfielder Kevin Mench for assignment, clearing the way for reliever Salomon Torres to join the 40-man roster, the team announced in a statement this morning.  —  Mench appeared in 101 games last season with the Brewers …

Source: Nats agree to terms with Lo Duca  —  The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent catcher Paul Lo Duca, a source with knowledge of the situation said today.  Terms were not immediately available, though Lo Duca was thought to be seeking $5 million.

Yankees closing in on LaTroy Hawkins with one-year, $3.75 million deal  —  Looking for short-term solutions in a relief market that is booming with expensive contracts, the Yankees are close to finalizing a one-year, $3.75 million deal with righthander LaTroy Hawkins, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

OF Fukudome to decide on MLB or Japan tonight … Free agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome plans to announce late Monday night U.S. time whether he will play in Japan in 2008 or pursue one of several offers from Major League Baseball clubs, his agent told ESPN.com.

Brady's bunch are too much for Steelers  —  That spot might seem overly generous, but here are five reasons why I believe the Patriots will win by more:  —  1. Pittsburgh's defense is overrated.  —  The stats say the Steelers have much the best defense in the NFL (allowing 230.8 yards per game compared …

Red Sox, Tigers command respect  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Baseball's Winter Meetings are behind us, and, believe it or not, pitchers and catchers report in less than two months.  —  Sure, some notable free agents are still available, and blockbuster trades are still yet to be made …

Landing a big-time ace would help allay Mets' doubts  —  The date was Sept. 13, back when life was still plush for the Mets.  They had a seven-game lead over the Phillies with 17 to go, on final approach to the postseason — heck, the World Series — with no reason to believe their world would soon disintegrate.

More Reasons Not to Worry about HGH in Baseball  —  With the Mitchell Report supposedly being released this Thursday, I wanted to post some links to more studies of the performance-enhancing effects human growth hormone (HGH).  You can read more here and here.

Bob Dutton Addresses the BBWAA Inclusion Process  —  Bob Dutton, President of the Baseball Writers Association of America Addresses Process of Credentialing  —  Before I get started, it's important to make mention of the incredible willingness that Bob Dutton, president of the Baseball Writers Association …

Athletics Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Two-Star Prospects  —  Just Missing: Sam Demel, RHP; Grant Desme, OF; Gregorio Petit, SS  —  Bats/Throws: L/R  —  Drafted: 1st round, 2003, Marina HS (CA)—Cardinals  —  2007 Stats: .293/.389/.438 at Triple-A (136 G); .347/.429/.639 at MLB (18 G)

BMF Open Letter to Santana  —  I know I declared myself sick of all the Santana talk last week but I can't deny I'm still thinking about you.  —  If you've been reading this site you'll know I even posted the headline, "F- Santana Let's Get Haren" but please don't let that hurt your feelings.