Bud Selig to remain MLB commissioner for three more years  —  Riding the crest of unprecedented financial success and an impressive performance before Congress Tuesday, Bud Selig agreed to stay on as Major League Baseball's commissioner for three more years.

Texas Rangers close in on Jennings, sign Byrd  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  The process of finishing out the Rangers' roster continues.  —  The club re-signed arbitration-eligible outfielder Marlon Byrd on Wednesday and could add free-agent pitcher Jason Jennings to the team today.

Cards consider inviting Gonzalez to their camp  —  Two-time MVP Juan Gonzalez is seeking another swing at a comeback after nearly three years since his last at-bat, and the Cardinals have discussed extending him an invitation to spring training.  —  Gonzalez, 38, has been working …

Fans might not be happy with Santana trade  —  The Twins are expected to trade their star lefthander before spring training, and it might not be for any immediate help.  —  The Johan Santana trade discussions have reached a quiet but crucial stage.  —  The Twins know what they can get.

Leyritz's blood-alcohol nearly twice the legal limit  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Toxicology results show former major leaguer Jim Leyritz's blood-alcohol levels were nearly twice the legal limit the day he was involved in a fatal crash in December.  —  Leyritz, initially charged …

Brewers, Vargas agree to deal  —  Milwaukee, right-hander avoid arbitration with one-year pact  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers avoided arbitration with right-hander Claudio Vargas on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million contract, leaving three arbitration-eligible players yet to sign.

‘Steroids have been in the game for a long, long time’  —  Former Yankees manager Stump Merrill visits KHS … ldolce@seacoastonline.com  —  KENNEBUNK — Stump Merrill knows what it means to succeed in baseball.  As a young man, it meant shining on the field in Brunswick, Maine …

Rays Close To Deal With OF Gomes  —  ST. PETERSBURG - As the Rays continue their efforts to sign the last of their arbitration-eligible players, their pursuit of a utility player capable of playing third base may be heating up.  —  Though nothing was finalized Wednesday night …

Holliday goodwill worth risk  —  Memo to Matt Holliday: Happy birthday, bubba.  —  Make that a belated happy birthday.  The shoulda-been National League MVP turned 28 on Tuesday.  —  I know what you're thinking.  If only the Monfort Bros. had gift-wrapped him a long-term deal that would ensure …

The 31st Team  —  Scouting reports from the Prospect Handbook cutting-room floor  —  By Baseball America staff and correspondents  —  The 2008 Prospect Handbook will arrive shortly in Durham, and those of you who ordered it directly from us will have it soon.

Investigation might jeopardize immigration status  —  Miguel Tejada's immigration status could be in peril in light of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's decision to ask the Department of Justice to investigate whether the new Astros shortstop lied to federal investigators in 2005.

Breaking Down the Gwinnett Braves Stadium Deal  —  Now that the initial shock of the move of the Triple-A Braves from Richmond to Gwinnett County has worn off, I'd like to take a look at the stadium deal.  The AJC has run several articles on the subject, and the articles contain most of the details of the Braves's lease with the city.

Welcome to the web, Phil Franchise  —  Phil Hughes is already down in Tampa working out.  He also set up his own weblog.  It's brand new but he has two posts up and we're told there will be more on the way.  —  We're pleased to say that Phil linked to this blog, so it's the least we can do to return the favor.