Derek Jeter should be ready for 2013 Opening Day after having surgery on injured left ankle  —  Captain should be set to go by time season rolls around, though he has not yet run.  Meanwhile, the Mets may have interest in former Yankee Carl Pavano.  —  New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter …

Role with Astros is Clemens' for taking  —  Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens is on the verge of taking an active role with the Astros.  —  Clemens, 50, is scheduled to meet Monday with general manager Jeff Luhnow.  The Astros plan to open their 2013 schedule to Clemens …

Brewers Designate Arcenio Leon For Assignment  —  The Brewers announced that they have designated right-hander Arcenio Leon for assignment in order to make roster space for the recently signed Mike Gonzalez.  —  Milwaukee claimed the 26-year-old Leon on waivers from the Astros back in November.

Red Sox ‘hopeful’ of finishing Napoli deal  —  A Major League source told the Globe tonight that the Red Sox are working toward a contract agreement with first baseman Mike Napoli and are “hopeful” of getting it done.  —  Napoli agreed to terms on a three-year, $39 million deal on Dec. 3.

Niese doesn't need heart ablation surgery  —  NEW YORK — Turns out Jon Niese's heart issue was a non-issue.  —  Originally scheduled to undergo a heart ablation before Christmas to correct the arrhythmias he has experienced throughout his career, Niese instead opted against surgery.

Alderson expects offseason to pick up pace  —  NEW YORK — On Monday, the Mets remained the only team in the Majors that had not signed a big league free agent.  That will eventually change, general manager Sandy Alderson said in a telephone interview Monday evening, though the Mets are not close on any deals for pitchers.

Rangers sign free agent Lance Berkman to one-year contract with club option that can vest for 2014  —  LHP Tommy Hottovy designated for assignment  —  Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers formally announced tonight that the club has signed free agent first baseman/outfielder/designated hitter Lance Berkman …

Through the Years: Jeff Bagwell  —  With the Hall of Fame announcement scheduled for this week, now is a good time to look back at the early careers of some of this year's most talked-about nominees.  (And with the early exit polls looking as they do, it might be nice to remember just how great some of these players were.)

Former first-rounder Johnson eyes revival with Bucs  —  As Pirates gather for workouts, lefty continues standout winter in Dominican  —  The Pirates' annual pre-Spring Training voluntary workouts are under way at Pirate City.  This year, the conclave is living up to one of its chief purposes …

Gerut on mission to protect players' finances  —  Former Major Leaguer turned agent focused on preventing money woes  —  Jody Gerut learned to invest his Major League earnings wisely and now wants to help other players.  (Matt York/AP)  —  There was a time when Jody Gerut …