Let's quiet the Damon talk  —  As we head toward the weekend, I still haven't gained any reason to think any different about the possibility of the Braves signing Johnny Damon.  —  There's no doubt that Damon could benefit the Braves from an offensive perspective.

Dodgers, Kemp Agree To Two-Year Deal  —  The Dodgers and Matt Kemp agreed to terms today on a two-year contract worth nearly $11MM.  The deal, which the sides have been working on all week, is pending a physical.  Kemp is arbitration-eligible for the first time, so the Dodgers …

Incentives for J.J.  —  There is some extra incentive for Josh Johnson and the Marlins to have a good season.  —  Johnson, who reached agreement Thursday on a four-year, $39 million contract, has some attractive bonuses attached to the deal.  —  If the soon-to-be 26-year-old wins the Cy Young Award, he will collect a $500,000 bonus.

‘Fakes, phonies, creeps, cheaters’  —  (J.B. Forbes/PD and Otto Gruele/Allsport)  —  Former Cardinals slugger Jack Clark apparently isn't enamored of the current hitting coach, especially in light of Mark McGwire's admission a few days ago that he had used steroids in 1998-99 when he played …

How about Baldelli?  —  While we still believe that Xavier Nady would ultimately be the best solution to fill the Yankees' need for a corner outfielder/right-handed hitter, Rocco Baldelli might be the next best choice (considering the Yanks' need and their hard-line budget).

Griffin: Jays overcame some tough odds  —  On Dec. 12, the Blue Jays were within 48 hours of keeping Roy Halladay for the 2010 season and having to settle for two compensation draft picks in the June 2011 draft.  —  The Phillies' offer of Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis D'Arnaud …

Valverde, Tigers agree to terms  —  Deal is for two years, stabilizes back end of bullpen  —  DETROIT — The Tigers are poised to sign the veteran closer they hoped to add.  They agreed to terms Thursday with Jose Valverde on a two-year contract with an option for a third …

Tribe signs Redmond to be backup backstop  —  The Indians have signed 38-year-old Mike Redmond to a one-year contract to be their backup catcher.  It is their first Major League free agent signing this offseason, and it brings their 40-man roster total to 39.

‘Great exchange of ideas’ to advance game  —  Commissioner, Special Committee discuss variety of topics  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The first Special Committee meeting called by Commissioner Bud Selig on Thursday afternoon began at 2 p.m. MT and lasted four hours.

Carlos Beltran's Response  —  Mets OF Carlos Beltran issued a statement tonight, through his agent, Scott Boras, in response to today's conference call with reporters, in which he said:

When facing elite arms, bet on Braun  —  Since reaching majors in '07, Brewers slugger has shined against game's top pitchers  —  Editor's note: Hot Stove U. is a six-week course devoted to higher learning, a series consisting of 30 need-to-know topics for 2010.  —  The Setup

Thief posed as Chicago Cub, charges say  —  A Nevada man is accused of posing as a Major League Baseball player to steal a car.  —  Matthew T. Van Meter, 24, is charged in Utah state court with felony counts of theft and forgery.  Charging papers accuse Van Meter, of Elko., Nev. …

Al Groh named Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' defensive coordinator  —  Former Virginia head coach Al Groh will become the next defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech.  —  Groh said Friday that he and the school have an agreement in principle, but did not disclose terms of the contract.

Sources: La. Tech's Dooley on verge of becoming Tennessee Volunteers' coach … Tennessee officials flew into Ruston, La., on Friday afternoon to visit with Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley in a meeting that could finalize the deal with Dooley as the Vols' next head coach.