Mets, A's among teams eyeing Sheets … The A's, Rangers and Mets are among teams considering free agent pitcher Ben Sheets, who raised his value with what was described by several scouts as an excellent showcase last week in Monroe, La.  —  The A's tried this winter for Marco Scutaro …

Pinch hitting: Lucas Vanderwarker  —  Next up in the Pinch Hitters series is Lucas Vanderwarker, who crunched some numbers to write about Derek Jeter's chances of breaking Pete Rose's all-time hits record.  —  Lucas grew up in upstate New York, and his grandfather played …

The Top 100 Prospects of 2010: 1-25  —  Spring training and the 2010 regular season are right around the corner, which means it's time to take stock of the top potential future stars in the minor leagues.  —  Below are the first 25 players in my rankings of the top 100 prospects in baseball right now …

Nationals To Sign Tyler Walker, Chuck James  —  The Nationals reached an agreement with reliever Tyler Walker, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  The deal is pending a physical.  They also added lefty Chuck James on a minor league deal.  —  Walker, 34 in May, posted a 3.06 ERA, 6.9 K/9 …

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.

Angels agree to three-year contract with Izturis (UPDATED)  —  The Angels just announced the signing of infielder Maicer Izturis to a three-year contract, avoiding arbitration.  —  UPDATED, 3:31 p.m.: The contract is worth $10 million and buys out two years of free agency.

Thome not returning to White Sox  —  Manager Ozzie Guillen said he informed free agent slugger Jim Thome Sunday night that he wouldn't be returning to the White Sox.  —  “It's all about at-bats, and it was going to be hard to get him at-bats,” Guillen said Monday night after returning to Miami.

Ernie Banks calls on Sammy Sosa to come clean  —  Sammy Sosa (left) should address allegations that he used steroids, Ernie Banks says.  (Nancy Stone/Tribune)  —  Ernie Banks celebrates another birthday Sunday, and Mr. Cub insists that “at 79, everything is fine.”

Ankiel will play center field for KC  —  Buzz up!  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—The Kansas City Royals are reshaping their entire outfield and making Jose Guillen  —  their full-time designated hitter.  —  While introducing newcomer Rick Ankiel  —  on Monday, general manager Dayton Moore …

Acta a hit with fans at Town Hall  —  New Tribe skipper talks ball, garners standing ovation  —  BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — Before asking a question of Manny Acta at a Town Hall session Monday night, an Indians season-ticket holder took his moment at the microphone to start an ovation for the new Tribe skipper.

Back in PSL  —  Welcome back to Port St. Lucie.  The Mets are holding a three-day minicamp beginning today, although it will be sparsely attended.  Oliver Perez and Daniel Murphy have arrived, but John Maine canceled because of the weather, according to Jay Horwitz.