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.

Will ‘roid rage’ among baseball writers show up in vote?  —  On Wednesday, the Baseball Writers Association of America and the Hall of Fame will announce the results of the voting that decides which candidates will be enshrined in Cooperstown, N.Y., this year.

Indians step up to plate, but DH remains a need  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians are not done looking for ways to upgrade aspects of their roster.  After signing right-hander Brett Myers, though, the club appears to be done doling out substantial big league contracts to free agents.

Still unsure of comeback, Vazquez eyes Nats  —  WASHINGTON — Right-hander Javier Vazquez said Saturday that he has not made a final decision about his future in the big leagues.  If he decides to make a comeback, he would consider playing for the Nationals even though their rotation is set.

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 …

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.

Dr. James Andrews says he never cleared Robert Griffin III to go back into game after injury … Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) reacts after getting injured during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field on Dec. 9.  (Photo: Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports)

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 …

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.