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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Nick Green, Austin Kearns return to Marlins on minor league deals  —  The Marlins have signed Nick Green and Austin Kearns to minor league deals with invites to spring training.  —  The Marlins also signed right-handed reliever Michael Wuertz to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training …

Latest on Joe Saunders and the Mets  —  The Mets have reportedly shown interest in signing LHP Joe Saunders to fill their vacant spot in the starting rotation.  —  Jan. 16: The Padres are not in on Saunders or Shaun Marcum, and haven't been all winter (Brock, MLB.com).

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 …

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 …

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 …