Nationals To Sign Rafael Soriano  —  The Nationals agreed to sign free agent closer Rafael Soriano to a two-year, $28MM contract, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports (Twitter links).  Soriano will receive $7MM in 2013, $7MM in 2014 and the remaining $14MM in deferred payments from 2018-2025, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (via Twitter).

Francona Book: Red Sox Owners Big On Image  —  NEW YORK — The owners of the Boston Red Sox were preoccupied with sagging TV ratings and hired marketing consultants who urged the team to place a greater emphasis on “good-looking stars” and “sex symbols,” according to an excerpt from a book co-authored …

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 …

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 …

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 …

ESPN's Star-Studded 2013 Sunday Night Baseball Schedule  —  Appearances by Triple Crown Winner & AL MVP Cabrera, NL MVP Posey, Kemp, Hamilton, Ortiz, Cano  —  Multiple Appearances by Defending World Champion Giants, AL Champion Tigers  —  Rivalry Games Highlighted by Angels/Rangers, Dodgers/Giants, Cardinals/Cubs, Yankees/Red Sox

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

Giants Could Re-Sign Lincecum  —  Tim Lincecum struggled often in 2012, but the Giants haven't given up on him long-term, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports (Twitter links).  In fact, the prospect of re-signing Lincecum next offseason, when he's eligible for free agency for the first time …