Teixeira signs 1-year deal with Braves  —  The Braves signed arbitration-eligible Mark Teixeira to a one-year, $12.5 million contract Thursday, and Braves Nation can only hope future negotiations go so smoothly with the slugger's agent.  —  “I don't know that it signals that …

Detroit Tigers  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Pena thrilled to get 3 years, $24.125-million  —  The Rays have agreed to a three-year deal with team MVP Carlos Pena for $24.125-million, the Times has learned.  —  The team confirmed the deal with an announcement shortly before 1 p.m.  —  “It's awesome,” Pena said this morning from the Dominican Republic.

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.

Martinez could be key to Mets getting Santana  —  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,” …

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.

Holliday cheer: Rockies OF agrees to $23M deal  —  DENVER — National League MVP runner-up Matt Holliday agreed Friday to a $23 million, two-year contract Friday with the Colorado Rockies that avoided arbitration.  —  Holliday hit .340 last season with 36 homers and 137 RBIs, helping the Rockies to their first pennant.

Congress unlikely to grant immunity to McNamee  —  NEW YORK — A lawyer for Roger Clemens' accuser was told by a congressional committee staff member that his client was unlikely to be granted immunity for his deposition and testimony.  —  As the sides moved ahead with preparations …

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.

Capuano, Brewers avoid arbitration  —  Left-hander signs one-year, $3.75 million deal for 2008  —  MILWAUKEE — Left-hander Chris Capuano and the Brewers agreed to terms on a one-year deal, reportedly worth $3.75 million late on Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

Wide-open spaces to fill at Petco  —  Infield prospects eyed for outfield  —  In the eyes of Padres manager Bud Black, Matt Antonelli and Chase Headley are far more than prospects.  —  “They are pieces of the puzzle,” Black said yesterday after he watched Antonelli and Headley …

Melvin has no interest in Feliz  —  In response to several postings on the Brewers Blog in recent days, I just wanted to pass on that general manager Doug Melving assured me last night he has no interest in signing free agent third baseman Pedro Feliz.  —  Readers noted one report …

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.