Roger Clemens Hires Top Washington Lawyer  —  Roger Clemens has bolstered his legal team, hiring a powerhouse Washington lawyer, Lanny A. Breuer, who represented former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment hearings as well as numerous corporations that were the subject of Congressional investigations.

Rays acquire Aybar from Braves  —  The Rays have acquired infielder Willy Aybar from the Braves, bringing aboard a utility infielder who could play third base if Evan Longoria doesn't break camp with the major-league team.  Aybar, who turns 25 in March, missed all of last season with an injury and off-the-field issues.

Treanor signs; 3 may go to hearings  —  By noon today the Marlins will have agreements with three more players or will start preparing for three arbitration hearings.  —  Catcher Matt Treanor was the only one of four arbitration-eligible Marlins who signed Thursday, agreeing on a one-year, $705,000 deal.

Phillies - Ruffin on Kendrick: Don't do what I did  —  BY NOW, THE story is familiar.  How the Phillies, in desperate need of a starting pitcher at midseason, reached all the way down to Double A Reading.  How the kid came up and amazed everyone with his poise and success.

Selig's term extended through 2012  —  Three-year extension ratified at Thursday's owner's meeting  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Commissioner Bud Selig's contract has been extended by Major League Baseball's 30 owners for three years, taking him through the 2012 season.

Lowell living large  —  Series star enjoys his new celebrity  —  There are perks to being World Series MVP, as Mike Lowell happily recounted yesterday.  —  “I got to shoot an ad today with Rene Russo,” the Red Sox third baseman said before the Boston Baseball Writers dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel.

Key to Mets getting Santana could be Martinez  —  Fernando Martinez hasn't played above the Double-A level, but the Mets' young outfield prospect could be the key to acquiring Johan Santana from the Twins.  —  “I sense that [the Mets] have got a deal if Martinez is in it,” …

The Biggest Loser  —  Ray King, a 34-year-old lefty trying to make the Nationals this spring, on winning the battle of the bulge  —  I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE TO LOOK great in uniform to be a great ballplayer.  C.C. Sabathia is a big guy, and he won the Cy Young.  Prince Fielder was in the race for MVP.

Athletics agree to terms with Huston Street on one-year contract  —  A's pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 13  —  OAKLAND — The Oakland Athletics announced today the club has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Huston Street on a one-year contract for the 2008 season.

One giant leap (cont.)  —  Ervin Santana: Santana still has the power stuff that helped him throw 204 innings of above-average ball for the Angels in 2006.  As a flyball pitcher who fights his command at times, Santana runs the risk of blowups when he's both walking people and allowing homers.