Morneau, Cuddyer sign up  —  GM Bill Smith says the Twins want to keep their core group of players together.  —  For an organization that historically has been methodical in its contract negotiations with players, the Twins' $104 million commitment to Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer …

Agitated Bedard feeling unwanted  —  'They don't want to keep me,' ace says; O's dispute his version of extension talks  —  Ace pitcher Erik Bedard said today that he is resigned to being traded this season and is disappointed that the Orioles haven't made a greater effort to sign him to a contract extension.

Free agent Hernandez a good deal  —  Right-hander one of most reliable talents left on market  —  As long as you have a pulse and a record of showing up for work on a regular basis, being a free-agent pitcher is still a pleasant circumstance.  —  This is true even in late January …

Red Sox, Yankees GMs share friendship  —  WAYNE, N.J. (AP) — Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein share a friendship that belies the often acrimonious rivalry between their teams, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.  —  Don't worry, there's no chance that the high esteem …

Optimism is reality at SoxFest  —  If the reality ever matched the hype, White Sox GM Kenny Williams would have stopped attending SoxFest years ago for fear of an all-out verbal assault.  —  But, as usual, the paying customers' discomfort with the upcoming version of the White Sox didn't meet …

Notes: Big Unit making progress  —  D-backs manager pleased after watching Johnson throw  —  PHOENIX — Bob Melvin has watched Randy Johnson play catch lately, and the D-backs manager likes what he's seen.  —  Johnson, who suffered a reherniation of a disc in his back last season and underwent …

Dropkick Murphys ship up to stardom  —  Boston's favorite band drops by MLB.com for a chat  —  The Dropkick Murphys have taken their Boston-bred, Irish rock sound and brought it to Red Sox Nation and beyond.  Their song, “I'm Shipping Up To Boston,” became an anthem for the 2007 World …

AP Interview: Yankees boss Hank Steinbrenner promises patience (really), but team better win  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Hank Steinbrenner sat behind his desk and looked out at empty Legends Field, where all was quiet and calm.  —  Over and over again, he emphasized his philosophy …

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 …

Knoblauch's Mother Expects Him to Cooperate  —  HOUSTON — The mother of former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch said Friday that she anticipated that her son will cooperate with a Congressional panel investigating steroids in baseball.  —  “I think I know my son well enough to know that he's …

Pirates offer Sanchez multiyear deal  —  Team looking to lock down All-Star second baseman  —  PITTSBURGH — Pirates president Frank Coonelly confirmed on Friday that the Pirates are interested in locking down second baseman Freddy Sanchez long-term and have made Sanchez an offer on a multiyear contract.

Canberra teenager bound for the New York Yankees  —  The latest Canberra teenager bound for the big US baseball leagues is expected to sign a seven-year deal with the New York Yankees today.  —  Kyle Perkins, 16, joins the world's most renowned baseball club after being spotted …

Reds, Goodyear ready to move forward  —  Sides nearing an agreement for exclusive negotiations  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds' flirtation with Goodyear, Ariz., appears to be headed to the next level.  —  The Goodyear City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Monday to consider entering …

Yanks and Canó Agree on Deal  —  The Yankees and second baseman Robinson Canó reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a contract that could pay him about $55 million over six years.  —  The deal, contingent on Canó's passing a physical, will earn him $28 million for the 2008 through 2011 seasons.