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 …

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).

Team USA provisional roster for 2013 World Baseball Classic to be announced Thursday on MLB Network's Hot Stove  —  All 16 World Baseball Classic Provisional Rosters to be Announced on World Baseball Classic Roster Special Thursday Live at 4:00 p.m. ET  —  The Team USA 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 …

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 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 …

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.

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.