Vogelsong to join Team USA for 2013 Classic  —  SAN FRANCISCO — If America really is the land of opportunity, then Ryan Vogelsong is an ideal choice for Team USA.  —  The Giants right-hander has committed to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a provisional roster …

Putz extended; Hill next?  ; Upton Abbey; & other stuff  —  J.J. Putz has said he wants to finish his career with the Diamondbacks.  The deal he agreed to on Monday may or may not take him that far, but it will at least get him one year closer.  —  Putz, whose $6.5 million option for 2013 …

With R.A. Dickey gone, Matt Harvey looks to step up role in NY Mets' starting pitching rotation  —  In addition to Harvey, Johan Santana (shoulder) and Dillon Gee (blood clot) are returning, and Jonathon Niese hopes to build on a career-best 13-9 campaign.  Zack Wheeler is seen as the eventual fifth starter.

Scouting reports for the Top 10 Prospects (How to subscribe) … Halfway through the 2012 season, things were finally looking up for the Pirates.  They went into the all-star break in first place in the National League Central and 11 games above .500, and it finally appeared that the longest streak …

Green agrees to Minor League deal  —  MIAMI — The Marlins have added a veteran candidate to compete for their utility role.  —  Nick Green, who was with the organization in 2012, has agreed to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.  The 34-year-old will have an excellent chance …

No World Classic for Matt Harrison  —  Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison said he has declined an invitation to participate in the World Baseball Classic.  —  Harrison, 27, was 18-11 with a 3.29 ERA in 32 starts last season.  That included 213 1/3 innings, a career-high.

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 …

The Difference Pitching on the Edge Makes  —  Note: I found some errors in the data.  Data below has been corrected, as well as some conclusions — BP  —  Yesterday, Jeff Zimmerman examined how Tim Lincecum's performance has depended to some extent on his ability to pitch to the edges of the plate.

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 …

Gallardo, Maldonado slated to play in Classic  —  MILWAUKEE — Mexican-born Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo and catcher Martin Maldonado of Puerto Rico are expected to appear later this week on their homelands' preliminary rosters for the World Baseball Classic, separate sources said.

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.