New York Yankees exec: Rafael Soriano issue not bad for Brian Cashman  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees have “full confidence” in general manager Brian Cashman, according to a senior team executive who acknowledged a division in the ranks over the signing last week of reliever Rafael Soriano …

Sources: Cubs trade Tom Gorzelanny  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have traded left-handed pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to the Washington Nationals for three minor league prospects — two pitchers and an outfielder, according to two major league sources.  —  The trade is pending a physical that Gorzelanny is expected to take on Tuesday.

Blue Jays Sign Jon Rauch  —  The Blue Jays announced that they signed Jon Rauch to a one-year deal that pays the reliever $3.5MM in 2011 and includes a club option for $3.75MM in 2012.  There's a $250K buyout for the 2012 option, so the deal is worth a total of $3.75MM in guaranteed money …

Source: Chris Young, Mets close  —  The New York Mets are closing in on a deal with free-agent right-hander Chris Young, a source within the organization told ESPNNewYork.com.  —  Young, 31, made three September starts for the San Diego Padres last season, after missing most of the season with a strained right shoulder.

Why the Cardinals may not offer Pujols an A-Rod-type deal … Albert Pujols' decision, via agent Dan Lozano, to set a deadline of spring training for a new multiyear deal with the Cardinals, could be a sign things aren't going all that well in the negotiations.  But it could also be an attempt to force a deal.

Thames nearing deal with Dodgers  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers' search for a power bat has them on the verge of signing free-agent outfielder Marcus Thames, but veterans Eric Chavez and Gabe Kapler are also in the mix, according to baseball sources.  —  The club declined to confirm that a signing of Thames was close.

Martin says'distractions' led to drop-off in play  —  Russell Martin says he knows why he has skidded from stardom to mediocrity in the prime of his career.  —  But beyond vague allusions to “frustrations” and “distractions,” he politely declines to explain.  —  “There's some things that you keep for yourself,” Martin said.

Nolasco will be ready to go when camp opens  —  Marlins righty ahead of schedule in recovery from knee surgery  —  MIAMI — Right-hander Ricky Nolasco will be fully ready to go when Marlins pitchers and catchers begin Spring Training workouts on Feb. 18.  —  Returning from surgery …

Marlins sign closer Nunez, Mujica to one-year deals  —  South Florida Sun Sentinel  —  The Marlins on Monday night agreed to terms on one-year contracts with right-handers Leo Nunez and Edward Mujica, two of their four arbitration-eligible players.  —  Expected to reprise his role as closer …