Clark, Padres agree on contract  —  UNION-TRIBUNE FROM STAFF AND NEWS REPORTS  —  The Padres and pinch-hitter/first baseman Tony Clark have agreed to the basics of a one-year contract worth in the neighborhood of $900,000, but it may take another day or two to work out the details.

YOUTH & NAIL  —  YOUNG YANKS WILL STRUGGLE TO MAKE PLAYOFFS  —  When Alex Rodriguez opted out of his Yankee contract during the World Series, the Bombers had a chance to rebuild around the young pitching that has prompted premature adulation.  —  They should have let Rodriguez dance out of The Bronx …

LA close to deal with pinch-hit specialist Sweeney … The Los Angeles Dodgers, fulfilling manager Joe Torre's desire for a veteran hitter off the bench, are nearing agreement on a one-year major league contract with free agent Mark Sweeney.  —  “It's not a done deal, but we're moving in the right direction …

No surprise in Surprise: Pitching is Texas Rangers' top priority  —  Improvements in pitching staff tops list of ‘musts’ entering camp  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  When the Rangers start unloading bags Thursday in Surprise, Ariz., signaling the start of the 37th spring training since moving to Arlington …

Marlins' Hanley Ramirez must wait for windfall  —  Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, right, hugs Yovan Ayes, 6, while signing autographs at the Marlins' annual FanFest in Miami, Saturday.  (AP/Lynne Sladky / February 9, 2008)  —  Not long after Marlins President David Samson delivered …

Finding a first baseman  —  Several readers e-mailed over the winter suggesting the Yankees make a trade for Nick Johnson.  —  I had my doubts.  While he's a good player when healthy, staying healthy has always been an issue for Johnson.  He hasn't played since the end of the 2006 season because of a badly broken leg.

The tasks at hand  —  With the 2007 National League pennant tacked on their wall, the Rockies open spring training Friday with higher expectations than at any point in franchise history.  “We are no longer the hunter; we are the hunted,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

Morales ready for place in rotation  —  Franklin Morales is the Rockies' great exception.  —  At 22, logic screams that he should spend part of this season in Triple-A, refining his mechanics, majoring in humility.  —  But real talent knows no timetable.

Roberts: Next man up?  —  All-Star 2nd baseman remains trade chip; Cubs deal still possible  —  The Orioles answered their biggest question of the offseason Friday by trading ace pitcher Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners for five players, proving emphatically that they are committed to the rebuilding process.

Baseball's Devil May Not Be in the Details  —  WHEN the House Oversight Committee convened recently to discuss baseball and steroids — another hearing is scheduled for Wednesday — Representative Mark Souder, an Indiana Republican, injected a specific proposal.

Rangers talking with Mench  —  Club discussing Minor League deal with former outfielder  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers are talking with outfielder Kevin Mench about a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, but want to make sure he is willing to go to Triple-A Oklahoma if he doesn't makes the team.

Easy on arm, tough on team  —  New closer Troy Percival, shown here with Rays Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, right, plans to conserve energy during Spring Training and be an active force in the Rays clubhouse.  —  ST. PETERSBURG - New closer Troy Percival …

Veteran Wilson inks Minor League deal  —  Oufielder/first baseman invited to Spring Training with Reds  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds clubhouse at Spring Training added one more veteran to the fold with Saturday's signing of outfielder/first baseman Craig Wilson to a Minor League contract.