Rockies sign free-agent pitchers Chris Volstad and Miguel Batista  —  Looking to create depth and competition in spring training, the Rockies agreed to a $1.5 million minor-league contract with pitcher Chris Volstad, according to multiple sources.  —  Volstad, 26, features a big arm …

Indians nearing deal with utility man Raburn  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians are nearing a deal with free-agent utility player Ryan Raburn in an effort to strengthen their bench.  —  Cleveland is looking to add Raburn to the mix on a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to attend Spring Training with the big league club.

Mets Sign Pedro Feliciano  —  The Mets announced that they have signed Pedro Feliciano to a minor league deal.  The deal includes an invite to major league spring training.  —  Feliciano, 36, is coming off a two-year, $8MM deal he signed with the Yankees.

Mariners, Hernandez talk extension  —  The next big contract in baseball?  It could go to Felix Hernandez.  —  The Seattle Mariners continue to talk to Hernandez about an extension, according to major-league sources.  And while no deal is close, the Mariners are at least weighing a four-year, $100 million proposal, sources said.

Liriano agrees to revised contract  —  Yes, Francisco Liriano will be a Pittsburgh Pirate.  —  The free-agent left-hander and the Pirates have finalized their two-year deal, agreeing to adjusted terms after Liriano suffered a broken right arm over the holidays, according to major-league sources.

Heat signs Birdman; Financial decisions loom for Heat, Dolphins, Marlins; Fins, UM chatter  —  SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE; SUNDAY BUZZ COLUMN  —  The Heat signed veteran center Chris Andersen to a 10-day contract, giving the team a skilled rebounder and shot-blocker.

Winter Warm-Up: Freese hopes for deal before hearing  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  ST. LOUIS  • Cardinals third baseman David Freese said he and his agent have decided not to talk publicly about their ongoing talks with the Cardinals following …

Rangers sign Murphy, final arb-eligible player  —  Conversation may soon turn to possible multi-year deal for outfielder  —  ARLINGTON — Rangers outfielder David Murphy has received a one-year contract to avoid arbitration.  The next step for Murphy and his agent, Mike Moye …

Major League Baseball's All-Star Game will return to Cincinnati in 2015, baseball sources confirmed.  —  Commissioner Bud Selig is scheduled to make the announcement when he is in town Wednesday to also say that the newest Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy will be built in Cincinnati.

Astros Sign Erik Bedard  —  The Astros have announced the signing of left-hander Erik Bedard to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training via press release.  The 33-year-old is represented by SFX.  —  Bedard was the Opening Day starter for the Pirates last season after signing a one-year deal worth $4.5MM.

11 things I didn't know about Earl Weaver  —  Saturday was a rough day for baseball, with two Hall of Famers passing—longtime Orioles manager Earl Weaver and legendary Cardinals star Stan Musial.  —  Both deserve some attention, and frankly both are important enough to deserve their own space.