Mets Near Deal With Another Japanese Pitcher  —  Since 1997, when they signed an obscure reliever out of the Japanese minor leagues, the Mets have had more players from Japan than any other major league team.  That international connection remains strong to this day and now the Mets are close …

Smoltz waiting for a job (and could he be a Brave again?)  —  Spring training opens next week and John Smoltz doesn't have a job.  This might unnerve most 42-year-old pitchers who don't want to hear from baseball people or medical people or certainly Joe-in-section-312-with-nacho-sauce- on-his-chin-people that his career might be over.

Youk, Pap, Lester among early arrivals  —  While snow batters New England, players arrive in Florida  —  BOSTON — Throughout sunny Florida, there are early-bird specials which are especially appealing to senior citizens who don't like to drive after dark.

Start him up: Farnsworth to get shot in KC  —  Righty has dialed down heat, added offspeed pitches  —  KANSAS CITY — Didn't like Kyle Farnsworth as a relief pitcher?  Hang on, he might be a starting pitcher for the Royals this year.  —  “Kyle Farnsworth is competing for a job in the rotation …

Giants, Lincecum still in negotiations  —  The Giants are taking their negotiations with Tim Lincecum down to the wire.  With an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday, the sides have discussed parameters for a multiyear contract.  —  A major-league source said the Giants have made a three-year …

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter's only goal is to repeat as he enters final year of contract  —  TAMPA - For Derek Jeter, there is no time for wallowing in the confetti of a championship parade, no lingering over the toasts to another Yankee title.  Jeter took just four weeks off …

The Firstbase Situation  —  More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP  —  After signing Mike Jacobs to a minor-league contract, the Mets will enter Spring Training with 5 firstbaseman, who, if not exactly in a competition, all have some shot at the major league roster.

With elbow surgery behind him, Johan Santana looking ready for big season with Mets  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - I've been behind the plate, catching Johan Santana for perhaps 10 minutes, so far thrilled that nothing has escaped my glove, and grateful that only one pitch has confirmed my concern …

Verlander reports Bonderman in fine form  —  Staff ace confident No. 4 starter taking big strides  —  DETROIT — Justin Verlander said the throws have life on them, more than he saw last year.  He talked about making adjustments, going back to the basics.  He's really excited about the progress.

Debunking Citizens Bank Park myths  —  Stadium does favor hitters, but not as much as fans think  —  PHILADELPHIA — The New York Mets reportedly will lower the center-field fence at Citi Field from 16 feet to eight feet, less than a year after it opened.  —  Hitters at Citi Field …

Rylan Sandoval Signed By New York Mets  —  MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -(Yuma, AZ.  February 10, 2010) The Arizona Winter League (AWL) announced today that shortstop Rylan Sandoval of the San Luis Atleticos has been signed by the New York Mets and will be departing for spring training in Port St. Lucie next week.

Princely sum is a must  —  Prince Fielder.  —  Even the name has a cool ring.  —  And Mr. Fielder will be able to buy all the decorative rings he wants when he signs his next contract.  We're talking silver rings, gold rings, platinum rings, gaudy rings, earrings, ugly rings, toe rings, nose rings, ring dings and ring tones.

Why is Jermaine Dye looking for work?  —  Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005.  He appears weekly on MLB on FOX.  —  In the past five seasons, Jermaine Dye is first among American League outfielders in home runs and second in RBIs, according to STATS LLC.

NY Giants release linebacker Antonio Pierce … After five seasons, a Super Bowl championship, a tumultuous 2008 season, an air horn in the locker room, a serious neck injury and plenty of other ups and downs as an outspoken defensive captain, Antonio Pierce's time with the Giants is over.

Nationals like chances to land Wang  —  [UPDATE, 3:15 p.m.] - Just talked to an industry source with knowledge of Wang's situation, who said that, despite developments with the Dodgers, the righty's timetable for selecting a club remains unchanged.  So, Wang will pick a team within the next 7-10 days.

Sources: Rick Pitino makes himself a candidate for Nets' coaching job  —  As snow swirled outside the Meadowlands on Wednesday night when the Nets played the Bucks, talk about Rick Pitino making overtures to the Nets about their coaching job circulated inside the arena.

Grffin: Money can't buy baseball happiness  —  Cynical baseball observers point to the Yankees and their World Series wins and simply shrug - anyone can spend money to win.  —  The Bombers bought a championship, after all.  Anyone could do the same given the Bronx Bombers' financial resources.

Free agent Washburn awaits ‘right offer’  —  Former Mariners southpaw's options include retirement  —  Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn said Wednesday that he is waiting for the “right offer,” is in no hurry to sign a new contract and retiring is an option.  —  “I've never liked Spring Training anyway,” he laughed.