Lefty specialist Javier Lopez and Red Sox agree to $840,000, 1-year deal  —  BOSTON (AP) -Lefty specialist Javier Lopez and the Boston Red Sox agreed Friday to an $840,000, one-year contract.  —  Lopez was 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 40 2-3 innings last season.

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.

Despite report, Dotel remains unsigned  —  Agent refutes story that free agent inked deal with White Sox  —  CHICAGO — Rumors of Octavio Dotel signing with the White Sox have been slightly exaggerated — at least for the time being.  —  Dan Horwits, Dotel's agent, told MLB.com …

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.

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,” …

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.

2008 arbitration figures  —  Listed below are the players who have filed for arbitration and have yet to sign with their teams.  Arbitration hearings will be held from Feb. 1-21, at which time a panel will rule in the player's favor or the club's favor, choosing one figure or the other.

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.

Betemit signs one-year deal  —  The Yankees signed Wilson Betemit to a one-year deal today, avoiding arbitration.  That leaves Brian Bruney, Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang.  —  Today is the day the teams and agents exchange salary numbers.  Hearings starts on Feb. 1.

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.

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 …

Reds Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Two-Star Prospects  —  Just Missing: Josh Roenicke, RHP; Daryl Thompson, RHP; Brandon Waring, 3B  —  1. Jay Bruce, CF  —  Drafted: 1st round, 2005, Westbrook HS (TX)  —  2007 Stats: .325/.379/.586 at High A …

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 …