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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.