Pirates trade Bixler, sign Donnelly  —  The Pirates have traded Brian Bixler to the Indians for Jesus Brito in an exchange of infielders, clearing space on the full 40-man roster for the signing of free-agent reliever Brendan Donnelly, which was made official this afternoon after he passed his physical.

El Hombre in No Rush for Extension  —  Cardinals first baseman and three-time NL Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols told a media gathering this afternoon that he feels no urgency to negotiate a contract extension with the club, adding that he will not carry any pending talks into the season.

Yankees agree to contracts with Gaudin and Logan  —  The Yankees have agreed to contracts with Chad Gaudin and Boone Logan, avoiding arbitration with their only remaining arbitration-eligible players.  —  UPDATE, 7:53 p.m.: The Yankees just sent this release.

Top 10 offseason performances … While nearly 100 free agents remain available, it's probably too late for any team to transform its team or winter with what's left.  So it's time to assess the winters of the 30 teams — or at least the top 10 of them.  —  Here they are, the 10 best performances …

Peter Gammons: Red Sox Had Deal Done With Jason Bay During Season  —  Players and owners have had differing opinions on the severity of injuries when it comes to contract talks in Major League Baseball, and the Mets' Carlos Beltran isn't the only recent player to disagree with his team's view.

Source: King Felix stays with Mariners  —  The Seattle Mariners have been shuffling the deck, but it looks like they'll keep their ace.  —  Hernandez  —  On the eve of exchanging salary figures for arbitration, right-hander Felix Hernandez has agreed to a multiyear contract with the team …

Marlins' park now Sun Life Stadium  —  Dolphins reach five-year contract with financial company  —  MIAMI — The Marlins' home for the next two years will be known by yet another name for the 2010 season.  —  The football/baseball facility in South Florida, which is currently called Dolphin Stadium again …

Florida Marlins could still trade Dan Uggla, signed to $7.8 million contract, by opening day  —  UPDATE: It has been a busy afternoon for the Marlins front office.  In the two hours since I initially posted this blog, they also signed pitchers Anibal Sanchez ($1,250,000) and Renyel Pinto ($1,075,000).

Jose Offerman banned for life by Dominican league … ORLANDO — Jose Offerman's career as a baseball manager was over Monday, at least in the Dominican Winter Baseball League.  —  The league suspended Offerman, interim manager of the Licey Tigers, for life after an incident Saturday …

Inbox: Is Schafer still in the mix?  —  Bowman breaks down the cases for Opening Day starter  —  As the offseason is quickly drawing to a close, Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman answers your questions on the Braves' outfield and who will be the Opening Day starter.  —  What happened to Jordan Schafer?

A Q-and-A with Jim Riggleman  —  Good morning, Nats fans.  Hope you're enjoying your holiday.  I caught up with Nationals manager Jim Riggleman a few minutes ago to discuss a number of the topics you've been asking about in the last few days.  Here's a transcript of my interview with him …

Clandestine campaign led to Valentine's demise  —  It was just about the time that Chiba Lotte Marines acting owner Akio Shigemitsu declared that Bobby Valentine could run his team “for life” that things began to go sour.  Until then, the former Texas Rangers and New York Mets manager …

Konerko focused on upcoming season  —  Not worried about future as he enters final year of contract  —  PEORIA, Ill — If a Major League Baseball primer exists concerning how to handle impending free agency as a player, then Paul Konerko probably contributed to that manual back in 2005.

Edmonds to return?  —  Maybe Jim Edmonds was dead serious.  Maybe it was all an elaborate put-on.  When it comes to Edmonds and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, it can be tough to tell.  This much is certain: Edmonds said on Sunday night that he wants to come back and play for the Cardinals in 2010.