Rizzo to play for Italy in World Baseball Classic  —  CHICAGO — Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will play for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.  —  The Classic rosters will be officially released on Thursday, but Rizzo confirmed on Monday that he will join the Italian team.

Sources: Interpreters OK on mound  —  When the Texas Rangers decide this season that it's time to go to the mound to talk with Yu Darvish, the manager or pitching coach won't necessarily be trotting out there alone.  —  Baseball owners approved a rule change last week, several sources have told ESPN …

Pirates agree to terms with Karstens  —  The Pirates and right-handed pitcher Jeff Karstens have agreed to a one-year major league contract, according to a source.  —  Karstens, 30, was non-tendered by the club this offseason when the team acquired catcher Russell Martin.

Dickey, Kimbrel, Pettitte set to pitch for USA  —  Some of the latest players to commit to playing for Team USA in this year's World Baseball Classic include the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, one of the game's most experienced left-handers and one of baseball's best young relievers.

Izturis signed, camp invites  —  The Reds on Monday announced 15 Spring Training non-roster invites.  One of the more newsworthy is they signed veteran SS Cesar Izturis to a minor league deal.  —  Here is the full list: RHP Nick Christiani, LHP Wilkin De La Rosa, RHP Justin Freeman …

Mat Latos' autographed message: ‘I Hate SF!’  —  If Mat Latos'(notes) handwritten volley is any indication, the Colorado Rockies aren't the only ones trying to build on a feud with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.  —  The young San Diego Padres pitcher recently signed three baseballs …

Yankees hitting coach: A-Rod was in pain in August  —  Kevin Long saw the lack of power down the stretch from Alex Rodriguez and was well aware something wasn't right with the third baseman.  —  “I knew it in August,” the Yankees hitting coach said by phone Saturday.

2013 ZiPS Projections - Pittsburgh Pirates  —  Dan Szymborski's ZiPS projections, which have typically appeared in the pages of Baseball Think Factory, are being released at FanGraphs this year.  Below are the projections for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Szymborski can be found on Twitter at @DSzymborski.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson gets a look at reliever Brian Wilson, source says  —  Mets general manager Sandy Alderson watched former Giants closer Brian Wilson throw during a workout at UCLA on Saturday, sources confirmed Sunday, though it's still unclear whether the team will offer him a big-league contract.

Marlins Park will host ‘Winter Warm Up’ on Feb. 9, replacing Fanfest  —  The Marlins today released details of their annual promotional event where fans can buy individual game tickets and meet Marlins players.  —  Miami Marlins Winter Warm Up, which will replace the event that had been called Fanfest …

Baseball America ranks the Cardinals' top 10 prospects  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  TOWER GROVE  • The current issue of Baseball America arrived at my doorstep over the weekend, and a few pages before the magazine revealed its top 10 prospects …

Dodgers Have Looked Into Rafael Soriano  —  The Dodgers have already spent big on their bullpen this offseason, adding Brandon League on a three-year, $22.5MM deal and J.P. Howell for one year and $2.85MM.  According to ESPN's Buster Olney (on Twitter), that hasn't stopped them from looking …