Santana Deal Took Intense Negotiating  —  It was nearing 5 p.m. on Friday, when the Mets' 72-hour window to sign the star left-hander Johan Santana was to expire, and they had improved what had been their take-it-or-leave-it proposal.  But that was not good enough for Santana, and he said so — in person.

Padres close in on deal with Greene  —  Two-year deal for reported $11 million would avoid arbitration  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres are close to reaching an agreement on a contract with shortstop Khalil Greene.  —  A baseball source said Saturday that the Padres are nearing a contract with Greene on a two-year contract.

Mets agree to deal with pitcher Sosa  —  Organization continues to avoid going to arbitration hearings  —  NEW YORK — With so much of their attention focused on Johan Santana, the Mets still were able to negotiate a contract with another player on Saturday.

Lefty Perez hopes to catch on with Phils  —  Veteran hurler tried out for club in Dominican on Saturday  —  Pitcher Odalis Perez was found in the stands at the Caribbean Series in Santiago on Saturday and next could be spotted in a Major League uniform.  —  Perez, 30, had a tryout …

Twins are building a contender — for 2010  —  Minnesota has a nice collection of young players who could turn into stars.  But that won't happen for a couple of years.  —  This is the year to expect big things from the Twins.  —  This is the year Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer …

Cox gives Sox lessons from an old school  —  Coach will hammer on fundamental concepts from his ‘Billy Ball’ roots  —  Before Ozzie Ball, there was Billy Ball.  —  And Jeff Cox, who contributed to Oakland's 1980 resurgence under volatile manager Billy Martin, hopes to help Ozzie Guillen's White Sox master …

Rauch, Nationals agree to contract  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — Reliever Jon Rauch and the Washington Nationals agreed to a $3.2 million, two-year contract Saturday, avoiding arbitration.  —  The right-hander will make $1.2 million in 2008 and $2 million in 2009.

Sean Casey a Sox!  —  I heard yesterday that we signed Sean Casey.  To have someone of his talent come here as a potential platoon player and role filler is huge.  —  I've known Sean and competed against him for a long time.  I think he's gotten the best of me more than I on him.

Kinsler, Rangers talk about long-term deal  —  ARLINGTON — Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler hopes he and the club can come to an agreement on a new, long-term contract.  —  There's still work to be done in getting there.  —  “It's a matter of coming to an agreement and trying to reach the right number …

Reds sign Sauerbeck, Bako  —  Veterans agree to Minor League deals with spring invites  —  Nine years after beginning his Major League career in Pittsburgh, left-hander Scott Sauerbeck is trying to make his way back home.  —  The Cincinnati native and veteran reliever has signed …