Rodney plans to pitch for D.R. in Classic  —  Closer saved 48 games with record-low 0.60 ERA in 2012 season  —  ST. PETERSBURG — It appears Rays closer Fernando Rodney will be taking his bow-and-arrow routine to the World Baseball Classic.  —  According to a report in the Dominican newspaper El Caribe …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

Diamondbacks To Extend J.J. Putz  —  The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign J.J. Putz to a one-year extension that will keep him in Arizona through 2014, the team announced via Twitter.  The LSW Baseball client will reportedly receive a $7MM salary in 2014.  —  Putz, who turns 36 next month …

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 …

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.

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.