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 …

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.

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,” …

D.C. dates set for Clemens, McNamee depositions  —  WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens has been asked to meet with congressional committee staff on Jan. 26, ahead of the House hearing where he and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, have been invited to testify.  —  Letters were sent to Clemens …

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.

Dodgers will play two games in Beijing in March  —  Dodgers Manager Joe Torre will be in Beijing on Thursday to announce a two-game exhibition series against the San Diego Padres on March 15-16.  It will be the first time two Major League Baseball teams play in China.

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.

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 …

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 …