Giants sign free-agent pitcher Randy Johnson to one-year deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Adding one of the most prolific pitchers in Major League history, the San Francisco Giants have signed free agent left-hander Randy Johnson to a one-year contract, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today.

Chicago Cubs eye 2 Japanese pitchers  —  Despite mixed results from the Kosuke Fukudome experiment, the Cubs are considering inviting two Japanese pitchers to spring training to compete for relief jobs.  —  The pitcher they're most interested in is Ken Kadokura, a 35-year-old right-hander …

Sosa ready, waiting to return to major leagues  —  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Sammy Sosa is still waiting for an offer to play in the major leagues, according to a report published by Dominican newspaper Listin Diario.  —  Sosa, who previously had expressed his intention to retire …

Rockies might target Marquis in search  —  The Rockies are looking to add depth to their rotation.  Instead of getting caught up in a bidding war for the likes of Tim Redding, who was nontendered by Washington and suddenly has a handful of teams running up his price, they could turn …

Yankees guarding top guns  —  In the baseball equivalent of receiving a complete set of electric trains, pitching coach Dave Eiland's unforgettable holiday present was the addition of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett to the Yankees' starting staff.  —  “That's as good a 1-2 punch for me as you're going to find …

Yankees aren't doing anything new  —  Before reacting to the Yankees signing free agent Mark Teixeira to an eight-year, $180 million contract, try taking a deep breath and counting to 10.  —  Yes, they signed Teixeira to the fourth-richest contract in major league history - right behind the 10-year …

Relive Burke's walk-off in '05 NLDS  —  Rookie's blast ended 18-inning affair, sent Astros to NLCS  —  All throughout the 2005 regular season, while the Astros reached the playoffs as the National League's Wild Card team, they needed help from just about everyone on the 40-man roster to get a chance to compete in October.

Big trade powered Crew to postseason  —  Brewers came up short in first playoff series since 1982  —  After a disappointing end to a strong 2007 campaign, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin retooled the Milwaukee roster, and hopes were high that the youthful team could again contend for a playoff spot.

Dunn might be too pricey for Orioles at first base  —  Pitching and catching remain the biggest needs for the Baltimore Orioles, but there are some questions to be answered at first base as well according to the Baltimore Sun.  —  The club could install Aubrey Huff, who started 23 games at first last year …

For Teixeira, the choice was Yankees or Nationals  —  Happy holidays to all.  —  Did anyone receive an Orioles-related present this morning?  I'm guessing there had to be a road jersey in somebody's gift pile.  —  I didn't want the day to pass without filing an entry.