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.

Clemens to Testify Under Oath  —  Roger Clemens will go to Capitol Hill on Jan. 26 to answer questions from staff members for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Clemens's lawyer said Friday, setting the stage for a possible perjury showdown against the former trainer …

Rays paying it forward … ST. PETERSBURG - By giving more than $24-million over three years to Carlos Pena and going up to nearly $4-million for a one-year, arbitration-avoiding deal with Scott Kazmir, the Rays on Friday put two of their best players under contract for the upcoming 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 …

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.

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.

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.

Astros sign Wigginton to one-year deal  —  Team exchanges arbitration figures with four players  —  HOUSTON — The Astros avoided arbitration with third baseman Ty Wigginton by signing him to a one-year contract worth $4.35 million, plus incentives, on Friday.

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.

Team 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.

Point/Counterpoint: Johan Santana  —  Can't make up your mind about whether acquiring Johan Santana for a quintet of youngsters is a good move for the Mets?  Neither can the MetsGeek staff.  Writers Steve Hubbell and John Peterson recently had a little back-and-forth on the issue.