Quiet winter for big spenders  —  The biggest surprise this offseason could be that the big spenders didn't spend.  —  After winning the World Series in 2004, the Red Sox revamped their rotation.  They let Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe leave as free agents and brought in Matt Clement and David Wells, a pair of signings that went bad.

The Twins Ready To Move On Johan Santana  —  FWIW, Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune told Charlie Steiner on his XM Radio show, “Baseball Beat”, that Twins officials he has spoken with on the team's Winter Caravan would ideally want a Johan Santana trade completed by next week.

CANO CASHING IN  —  AGREES TO 4-YEAR DEAL WITH YANKS  —  It's pay now or later for Robinson Cano.  The Yankees evidently have no problem with the first option, as they reached agreement yesterday on a four-year, $30 million contract with Cano, according to a source.

No. 1 starter still M's No. 1 priority  —  Landing a top starting pitcher remains the primary goal for the Mariners with spring training just weeks away.  —  Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi on Thursday refuted speculation he had dropped out of the bidding for Baltimore Orioles starter Erik Bedard.

Blue Jays sign Rod Barajas  —  TORONTO — News flash: J.P. Ricciardi says he has a short memory.  —  “Sometimes you need that, especially in sports,” the Toronto Blue Jays' general manager said last night after the club signed free-agent catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year contract worth $1.2-million (all currency U.S.).

Notes: Lo Duca suffers knee injury  —  Catcher hurts self during workout, undergoing MRI on Friday  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca suffered a right knee injury this week while working out in a New York gym, according to a baseball source.  —  Lo Duca will have an MRI …

The curious case of Ron Darling  —  Don't be fooled by ex-Met's workout routine — it's for the mic  —  NEW YORK — He is precisely what the pitching-hungry Mets need: a guy who knows his way around a mound, who has a resume and presence and who's comfortable in his own skin.

Connection with fans natural to Hughes  —  Not distracted by trade talk, phenom shows fans personal side  —  Already at the Legends Field facility in Tampa, Fla., as one of the Yankees' earliest reportees to Spring Training, Phil Hughes had an open evening — and a dilemma.

By the Numbers: 2007 Player Payroll for the 30 MLB Clubs  —  A Detailed Look At How Teams Spent Over the Course of 2007  —  2007 will be remembered for more than a few things, not the least of which is the dirge which has become the year in and year out steroid story.

Twins sign Morneau, Cuddyer to long-term deals  —  The Morneau deal is for six years and worth $80 million.  Cuddyer will get $23 million over three seasons.  —  The Twins are set to announce this afternoon the signing of first baseman Justin Morneau and outfielder Michael Cuddyer to long-term contracts, according to team sources.

Committee Reviewing McNamee Tapes  —  The House oversight committee is reviewing transcripts of three conversations by Brian McNamee, the personal trainer who said he injected Roger Clemens with performance-enhancing drugs, a congressional staff person with direct knowledge of the matter said Thursday.

Young and gifted, here are 10 ready to shine  —  Dayn Perry is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com and author of the new book, “Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones” (Available now at Amazon.com).  —  Let's talk breakout candidates for 2008.  —  What makes a breakout candidate?

Promoter sez Rickey stole more than bases  —  Rickey doesn't like it when Rickey gets sued.  —  All-time stolen bases king Rickey Henderson is being taken to court by a promoter of sports collectibles shows who says Henderson swiped more than bases.  —  MAB Celebrity Services has filed …

Peavy, Greene earn top 2007 awards  —  Towers looking for corner outfielder  —  Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy and shortstop Khalil Greene scored the biggest awards last night during the Padres' annual awards dinner at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.  —  Greene was named Most Valuable Player of the Padres' 2007 season.

Clink, Clink, Another Drink  —  I'm helping out my friends at Deadspin with the following photo (click for a larger image): … Photo: Icon SMI  —  Update: The Big Lead has another photo from the event and more commentary.  —  Update: A commentator at Deadspin asks if I'm the Pinto from Animal House.