A's sign Ben Sheets  —  Free agent right-hander Ben Sheets has signed with the A's, CBSSports.com has learned.  —  Sheets agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $10 million, plus incentives.  He passed a physical today, and the deal is expected to be announced this afternoon.

Padres acquire free-agent pitcher Jon Garland  —  Free agent pitcher Jon Garland is apparently becoming a Padre.  —  Padres President Tom Garfinkel, speaking at a Military Appreciation Luncheon Tuesday afternoon at the Torrey Pines Hilton, said the Padres have signed the 30-year-old free agent …

Yankees deal for outfielder Golson  —  Infielder Hilligoss sent to Rangers to complete trade  —  The Yankees added to their outfield depth Tuesday, acquiring Greg Golson in a trade with the Texas Rangers.  —  New York, which gave up Minor League infielder Mitch Hilligoss in the deal …

New York Mets eye upgrades as John Smoltz, catchers on radar  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - When Johan Santana delivers the first pitch of the Mets' season on April 5, Omir Santos very well could be behind the plate to receive the offering.  What's more, John Smoltz could follow Santana in the rotation.

Minnesota Twins, Jim Thome agree to incentive-heavy contract  —  The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year incentive-laden contract with veteran slugger Jim Thome, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Pioneer Press today.  —  The Thome-to-the-Twins speculation began on Friday …

The Chicago Cubs appear to be close to signing a free-agent outfielder  —  Cubs appear to be close to signing a free-agent outfielder  —  The Chicago Cubs appear close to adding outfield depth.  A decision on free agents Xavier Nady, Reed Johnson, Jonny Gomes or Jermaine Dye appears imminent.

The day DiMaggio got a hit off Satchel  —  Joe DiMaggio was a prospect, a promising one for sure, but he still was two months shy of making his New York Yankees spring-training debut.  —  Leroy “Satchel” Paige was a Negro Leagues pitching sensation whose exploits seemed the stuff of myth until they actually were seen.

Modest surprise: Ronnie Belliard returning to Dodgers  —  The Blake DeWitt train will have more stops before it reaches its intended destination.  Ken Gurnick of MLB.com is reporting that Ronnie Belliard has re-signed with the Dodgers on an $825,000 deal.  —  The Dodgers now find themselves …

Why Damon is still available … If we were to create a “no-tool player” — a Frankenstein's monster crudely stitched together using only the worst individual skills possessed by active major leaguers — we might give him the foot speed of one of the senior Molina brothers.  We might give him the glove of Adam Dunn.

Sox agree to terms with Hermida  —  The Red Sox today agreed to terms with outfielder Jeremy Hermida on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2010 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration.  Arbitration hearings would have started Feb. 1.  —  The sides agreed to a $3.345 million deal for 2010 …

A tale of two baseball cheaters  —  Why is it the best of times for Mark McGwire but the worst of times for Pete Rose?  —  ESPN.com  —  Mark McGwire is back in.  But Pete Rose is still out?  —  Major League Baseball continues its hit streak of hypocrisy.

Charlie Manuel wishes Cliff Lee was still part of Philadelphia Phillies rotation  —  PHILADELPHIA — Just like the boisterous fans that pack the ballpark, manager Charlie Manuel wishes the Philadelphia Phillies still had Cliff Lee.  —  Six weeks after the two-time NL champions …

Reds Top 11 Prospects  —  Four-Star Prospects  —  Three-Star Prospects  —  Two-Star Prospects  —  Four More:  —  12. Matt Maloney, LHP: A pure finesse lefty, Maloney is exceptionally good at his craft, but his ceiling is a fifth starter.  —  13. Zach Cozart, SS …

Mark Loretta announces retirement after 15-year playing career  —  Former Padre returns to San Diego as Special Assistant to Baseball Operations  —  SAN DIEGO - Mark Loretta today announced that he has retired from playing Major League Baseball and will join the Padres front office as Special Assistant to Baseball Operations.