Berkman close to signing with Texas  —  The Texas Rangers — closing in on a new designated hitter — are finalizing an agreement with free agent Lance Berkman, according to major-league sources.  —  The contract is expected to be for one year in the $10 million to $11 million range …

Mo says knee ‘95 percent’ on way toward full health  —  Baseball's all-time saves leader conducts pitching clinic for Connecticut kids  —  Mariano Rivera addresses kids at a pitching clinic in Danbury, Conn., on Saturday.  (Bryan Hoch/MLB.com)  —  DANBURY, Conn. — To most of his audience …

Unresolved questions linger for Yanks, Mets, free agents  —  To be honest, you probably could take an extended nap (like the one Carl Pavano took from 2005 through 2008) from now until the start of spring training, and you wouldn't miss a great deal in the baseball world.

Buster Posey's incredible arbitration case  —  Buster Posey hasn't played in two full seasons' worth of regular-season games yet — 308, to be exact.  But he's made the most of his time in the big leagues, winning a rookie of the year award, a batting title, a most valuable player award and two World Series titles with the Giants.

SportsWire Vikings Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder dealing with elbow bursitis  —  GREEN BAY, Wis. — The injury to Christian Ponder's throwing elbow is more than a bruise.  —  The Minnesota Vikings' quarterback once again is dealing with elbow bursitis — a buildup of fluid that may need …

Showalter extension may add three years to his Orioles deal  —  Manager Buck Showalter's contract extension, which may be announced next week, is expected to be for three years, which would keep him in Baltimore through the 2016 season, people familiar with the talks suggested.

Padres Insider: Club studies spring training strategy; Marlins shopping Stanton  —  Among the issues discussed recently by the Padres brass is how the club will deploy its forces over the longest exhibition season in franchise history.  —  Because this is also the spring of the third World Baseball Classic …

Rockies show some interest in pitchers Brandon Webb, Jeff Karstens  —  While remaining open to a trade to add pitching, the Rockies have expressed mild interest in low-risk free agents Brandon Webb and Jeff Karstens.  —  Bill Geivett, the Rockies' director of major-league operations …