Morse strongly opposes being a DH  —  There is a problem for any American League team that intends to acquire Nationals left fielder Mike Morse and use him often as a designated hitter.  —  Morse strongly opposes being a DH, according to major-league sources.  —  The issue, sources say, will carry weight for some AL clubs.

A Hall of Fame ballot without a whiff of PED usage  —  Curt Schilling tipped his cap to the Fenway crowd on Oct. 25, 2007, after leaving Game 2 of the World Series.  He is on the Hall of Fame ballot this year.  —  The poison ballot remained on my desk, unopened until Dec. 31.  —  I knew what was in there.

MLB dugouts to have cellphones  —  Phone calls between the dugout and bullpen will be made using cellphones this season as part of T-Mobile becoming the official wireless partner of Major League Baseball.  —  “Everyone wanted to make this deal happen,” said Tim Brosnan, MLB's executive vice president of business.

Padres invite 21 non-roster players to camp  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres announced on Monday that they have extended Major League Spring Training invitations to 21 players.  —  The list of non-roster invitees includes 12 pitchers — 11 right-handers, one left-hander — four infielders, one outfielder and four catchers.

Rangers haven't ruled out adding Bourn, Lohse  —  GM Daniels is happy with current roster, but could go after pair of free agents  —  ARLINGTON — New Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman is a former teammate of both free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn and pitcher Kyle Lohse.

Mets, Yanks eye 1 year of Hairston  —  Scott Hairston, a pleasant surprise for the Mets last season, has been aiming high in free agency this winter.  A lowering of his asking price could keep him in New York while still getting him a healthy raise.  —  The righty-hitting outfielder, 32 …

Sifting through more rumors  —  If it brings any comfort at all, executive vice president Dan Duquette hasn't stopped trying to add a starting pitcher or a hitter for the middle of the lineup.  —  The effort is there.  It's the results that are lacking.  —  Again, the Orioles aren't choosing to stand pat.

A-Rod's doc reveals playoffs were lost cause, chronic pain not from 'roids & hope for healthy July return  —  The doctor scheduled to perform the upcoming hip surgery on Alex Rodriguez declared the injury had zero to do with steroids, but everything to do with A-Rod's impotent October.

Why Mets won't pursue free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn  —  So it's Jan. 8, five weeks away from spring training, and Michael Bourn still hasn't signed with a team.  Atlanta gave $75 million to B.J. Upton.  The Angels shelled out $125 million for Josh Hamilton.  No team has doled out a dime for Bourn.

Brewers sign lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez  —  Free Agent Agrees to One-Year Deal  —  MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez to a one-year contract today.  To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-handed pitcher Arcenio Leon for assignment.