Hall mess means this voter won't vote for tainted players — this time  —  This year's Hall of Fame ballot contains the most star-studded collection of baseball names outside of, well, the Hall of Fame.  —  But, oh, what a mess.  —  The first honest-to-goodness steroid-era ballot …

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.

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.)

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 …

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 …

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 …

GM: Derek Jeter still on target  —  Derek Jeter has yet to swing a bat, field a ball or run on dry land since suffering a broken ankle in the 12th inning of Game 1 of the AL Championship Series last October.  —  Still, the New York Yankees insist their 38-year-old captain will be ready …

Amaro: Phillies probably done making moves  —  The reality increases daily of a Phillies outfield hodgepodge formed by Ben Revere, Domonic Brown, John Mayberry Jr., Darin Ruf and Laynce Nix.  The man tasked with forming the 2013 roster was willing to admit as much Monday.