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.

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.

Arbitration process begins for Mets and Yankees  —  Major League Baseball's teams and players exchanged salary figures in the arbitration process Friday, and it's clear that the two New York clubs have significant work to do if they want to avoid taking key players to a hearing.

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.

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.

Source: Byrd piques Cubs' interest  —  Center fielder could be traded after Hamilton's acquisition  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers may have finished putting together their team for Spring Training, but that hasn't stopped other teams from asking about their players.

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 …

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.

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,” …

Mets invite Valentin to Spring Training  —  Veteran will return to club following September knee surgery  —  NEW YORK — Already stocked with second basemen, the Mets invited veteran switch-hitter Jose Valentin to Spring Training in hopes that the 38-year-old free agent can provide …

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.

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.

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.