Outrage at HOF voting baseless  —  Changes in MLB culture, punditry since '95 don't mean voters should ditch precedent  —  From the overheated outrage expressed by baseball fans, the blogosphere and, most embarrassingly, the ostensibly objective journalists over the fact that Andre Dawson …

Why the Beltre Deal Worked for Both Sides  —  Yes, Scott Boras admitted, when he talked to clubs about Adrian Beltre, he was seeking a huge multi-year offer.  But that quest, the agent insisted, was always done with the idea in mind that the third baseman, following a 2009 campaign …

Marlins close in on Puerto Rico series  —  Three-game set vs. Mets in late June close to being finalized  —  The Marlins' plans to host the Mets in a three-game series in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this season are close to being finalized, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Outfielder Scott Podsednik agrees to 1-year deal with Kansas City Royals  —  Free agent outfielder Scott Podsednik has reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals with an option for 2011.  —  Podsednik  —  According to a source, Podsednik will make $1.75 million …

Nationals Interested In Randy Winn?  —  4:12pm: Winn tells MLB.com's Bill Ladson (Twitter link) that he hasn't heard anything about the Nationals' interest.  —  3:13pm: Randy Winn has a new suitor, according to Ed Price of AOL FanHouse (via Twitter).  The Nationals are interested in the 35-year-old outfielder.

New York Mets Top 20 Prospects for 2010  —  More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP  —  New York Mets rookie outfielder Fernando Martinez (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)  —  Top 20 New York Mets Prospects for 2010  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.

Joba honored with Munson Award  —  Yankees pitcher recognized for philanthropic endeavors  —  NEW YORK — Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain will be honored at this year's Thurman Munson Awards dinner, acknowledging excellence in competition and philanthropic work within the community.

Miami park reverts to Dolphin Stadium  —  Land Shark sponsorship ends; new name likely up next  —  MIAMI — The Marlins won't be moving into their new ballpark until 2012.  But this year, their current stadium will have yet another new name.  —  No longer will the multi-sport park be called Land Shark Stadium.

Seattle Seahawks targeting Pete Carroll as their next coach [updated]  —  The Seattle Seahawks, who today fired coach Jim Mora, are close to reaching an agreement with USC's Pete Carroll to be their next coach, The Times has learned.  —  A Seahawks contingent including CEO Tod Leiweke interviewed Carroll …

Cards have four remaining spots to fill  —  Post-Holliday scenario leaves $6-7 million available  —  ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals don't have to go to Plan B. However, Plan A is not completely finished yet.  —  “Plan B” became the catch-all term for what St. Louis would do if it was unable to retain the services of Matt Holliday.

Five Teams Interested In Jerry Hairston Jr.  —  Five teams have expressed interest in free agent utility man Jerry Hairston Jr., according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com (via Twitter).  Among the interested teams are the Padres, A's (who employ his brother Scott), and the Yankees, with whom he won a World Series ring in 2009.

AP: Astros agree to $5 million deal with Brett Myers  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Pitcher Brett Myers (FSY) and the Houston Astros have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract that guarantees him $5 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Cust follow-up and Tejada clarification  —  Some snippets from the Jack Cust signing yesterday: His incentives package consists of $50,000 for 500 plate appearances and $100,000 at 550 plate appearances, 575 plate appearances and 600 plate appearances.  He cleared 600 plate appearances …