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.

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 …

Sources: Phillies seriously considering signing Delmon Young  —  Three weeks before the start of spring training, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. continues to look to add a corner outfielder to his team.  —  “I think we can [get one before spring training]', Amaro said. ”  We hope to do it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indians Sign Ben Francisco  —  The Indians announced that they signed outfielder Ben Francisco to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.  The team also confirmed the signing of utility player Ryan Raburn.  —  Francisco played for the Blue Jays, Astros and Rays in 2012.

Matt Harvey expects success and a big role in rotation  —  R.A. Dickey has left for Toronto, leaving a major opening in the Mets' starting rotation.  Is Matt Harvey, 23, confident enough to believe he not only can land a spot at the top of the rotation but assume the role of ace?  —  Eventually, yes.

Reds Sign Dominican Lefty Jacob Constante For $730,000  —  After watching him pitch in the International Prospect League all-star game on Friday, the Reds have signed Dominican lefthander Jacob Constante for $730,000.  —  Constante, who turns 19 in March, is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and threw 92-94 mph …

Charlie Manuel visits Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard and scouts Chase Utley, too  —  In three weeks and two days, Charlie Manuel will stroll along the diamonds at the Carpenter Complex as pitchers and catchers take part in their first workouts of the spring.  —  But Manuel has already made a trip …

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 …

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 …