Brewers designate outfielder Mench  —  Move makes room for Torres on Milwaukee's 40-man roster  —  The Milwaukee Brewers on Monday designated outfielder Kevin Mench for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for newly acquired reliever Salomon Torres.

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.

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.

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 …

Yankees Find Bullpen Help, Landing Hawkins for a Year  —  The Yankees added a veteran to their young bullpen yesterday, agreeing to terms with the right-hander LaTroy Hawkins on a one-year contract worth about $3.75 million.  Hawkins, who turns 35 this month, will take a physical this week to make the deal official.

Ex-Oriole Segui says he experimented with steroids  —  Retired first baseman bought shipments from Mets clubhouse attendant; he declined to talk to Mitchell for report expected to be released later this week  —  When Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drug use is released …

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 …

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 …

Mets prospects not measuring up  —  Martinez, Mulvey, Muniz have Majors in their sights in '08 … Performance didn't exactly measure up to potential in the Mets system in 2007.  —  That's not to say there were no positive developments.  The Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs made it to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series.

Detroit Tigers Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Rick Porcello, RHP, Grade B+ (I am hesitant to give out a Grade A- or Grade A without seeing some pro numbers first.  This grade should not be interpreted as a negative comment on Porcello).

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.