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.

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.

Baseball's average salary record $2.82M  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball's average salary rose 4.6 percent last year to a record $2.82 million, and the New York Yankees set a high for teams at $7.47 million.  —  Final figures released Thursday by the Major League Baseball Players Association showed …

Rays trade for Aybar  —  The Rays found the super-utilityman they were looking for Thursday in acquiring Willy Aybar from Atlanta in exchange for lefty reliever Jeff Ridgway, but Aybar comes with the baggage of a three-month stay in a substance-abuse facility last season.

Red Sox 3B Lowell wants stronger steroid testing  —  BOSTON — World Series MVP Mike Lowell is willing to give blood if that's what it takes to be tested for human growth hormone.  —  But only if the test is 100 percent accurate.  —  Not 99 percent.  —  “If it's 99 percent accurate …

Jays LHP Downs given 3-year, $10M deal  —  TORONTO (AP) — Left-hander Scott Downs agreed Thursday to a $10 million, three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after a breakout season in which he had a 2.17 ERA.  —  Downs went 4-2 in 81 relief appearances, tied for the AL lead.

Trenton to host Scranton on April 1  —  Just saw this press release.  Seems like a great idea:  —  The Trenton Thunder, the Class AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the Class AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees, in a special pre-season exhibition game …

Braves avoid arbitration with Teixeira, Gonzalez, 2 others  —  ATLANTA (AP) — First baseman Mark Teixeira agreed to a $12.5 million, one-year contract with the Braves on Thursday, one of four Atlanta players coming to terms rather than going through arbitration.

Reggie Sanders to decide future by end of January … Outfielder Reggie Sanders, one of six players in baseball history with 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases, plans to make a decision on his future by the end of January.  —  He'll either return to play for an 18th season, retire …

DuPuy: Sale of Cubs does not appear imminent  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The sale of the Chicago Cubs does not appear to be imminent.  —  Prospective buyers have been submitting to background checks, but Major League Baseball's ownership committee has not been given a formal financial offer to review.

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.

Mets considering relocating Triple-A franchise to Syracuse  —  The Zephyrs aren't leaving New Orleans.  —  The Mets might be another question, though.  —  Sen. Charles Shumer (D-N.Y.) last week said New York is “showing real interest” in relocating its Triple-A franchise to Syracuse …

A-Rod to receive Munson Award  —  AL MVP named sixth winner this year, will be honored Feb. 5  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's busy offseason will include one additional stop and another piece of honorary hardware for his collection.  —  The Yankees third baseman has been named …

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.