Image drove owners, Francona laments  —  Former Sox manager says marketing trumped winning  —  You are reading this article for FREE courtesy of BostonGlobe.com.  Get unlimited access.  —  Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner wanted “sexy” players to boost television ratings …

Yankees Andy Pettitte, Mark Teixeira to play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic  —  The 2013 full squad will be announced on Thursday, but other names have come out, too — CBSsports.com first reported that Pettitte, Teixeira and R.A. Dickey would be on Team USA and David Wright had already been announced as the third baseman.

Nationals nightmare over?  Rafael Soriano agrees to deal … The Washington Nationals' season ended with one of the ugliest bullpen meltdowns in recent playoff history.  —  Tuesday, the team moved boldly to ensure that might not happen in 2013, lavishing a two-year, $28 million contract on Rafael Soriano …

Source: Mets not impressed with Wilson  —  Brian Wilson probably shouldn't change his ring tone to “Meet the Mets” anytime soon.  —  According to a baseball source Tuesday, the veteran closer didn't impress the Mets during his workout at UCLA on Saturday and wasn't deemed worthy …

Dodgers mulling a run at Scott Rolen  —  The Dodgers have had internal discussions about pursuing third baseman Scott Rolen, according to a person familiar with the team's thinking.  (David Zalubowski / Associated Press / September 9, 2009)  —  The Dodgers have had internal discussions …

Dodgers expect Crawford to play Opening Day  —  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers got an update on the health of left fielder Carl Crawford on Tuesday, indicating he has begun a throwing program, making it more likely he would be ready by Opening Day.  —  Crawford underwent reconstructive surgery …

Angels, Williams avoid arbitration ...  The Angels and pitcher Jerome Williams have agreed on a $2 million contract for 2013, thus avoiding arbitration for the 31-year-old right-hander, a source told MLB.com on Tuesday.  —  Williams, who isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2014 season …

Ellis, Belisario file for arbitration as Super Twos  —  LOS ANGELES — Starting catcher A.J. Ellis and reliever Ronald Belisario are the two Dodgers that filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday, both earning the right as “Super Twos.”  —  Ellis, 31, is coming off his first year as a regular …

Interest intensifying for Kyle Farnsworth - Mets still looking for relievers  —  Interest in RHP Kyle Farnsworth is intensifying now that Rafael Soriano signed with the Nationals, and Farnsworth has narrowed his choices from six teams to three, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Furcal's health critical to middle infield's success  —  Cards optimistic shortstop will start year healthy; second base up for grabs … The Cardinals entered the offseason with limited question marks, the result of which has been minimal offseason activities.

Have the Diamondbacks Lost Their Leverage With Justin Upton?  —  The Diamondbacks negotiated a trade with the Mariners last week, one that would have netted a strong package of young talent.  But when the two teams finally agreed to the deal, the trade's centerpiece vetoed it.