Mike Napoli, despite avascular necrosis in hip, signs with Red Sox  —  Newly signed Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli said he never has experienced symptoms from a very serious hip condition known as avascular necrosis, which he says was diagnosed during the physical he took for the team last month.

Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain still waiting for Bombers' new third baseman Kevin Youkilis to return his welcoming phone call  —  Chamberlain had a longtime feud with Youkilis, who signed a one-year deal in December, while the infielder was on the Red Sox

Sources: O's eye Kubel, Porcello  —  The Baltimore Orioles, quiet all offseason, might finally be turning active.  —  The Orioles are pursuing a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel and also are interested in Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello, according to major league sources.

Dodgers near TV rights deal with Time Warner Cable  —  Time Warner Cable could pay the Dodgers $7 billion to $8 billion over the 20-year deal.  It's a blow to Fox Sports, the team's current broadcaster.  —  The Dodgers' new TV deal would help cover its recent spending spree, including a six-year …

Giants, Posey not rushing new deal  —  Good luck to the San Francisco Giants trying to figure out what catcher Buster Posey is worth long term.  —  It's not a stretch to imagine Posey replacing Derek Jeter as the game's standard-bearer.  Heck, the 25-year-old Posey already is more accomplished …

Mets' top prospect Zack Wheeler has drive, confidence to meet big expectations  —  Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler sits atop his oversized red truck at the East Paulding County High School baseball field in Powder Springs, Ga. (Jan. 21, 2013)  —  Lifted pickup trucks dominate the roadways here like minivans on the Meadowbrook.

More on latest signings, Scott's possible return  —  From today's print edition:  —  ST. PETERSBURG - As the Rays continue the search for a DH that looks like it may bring them back to Luke Scott , they added some depth, and interest­ing storylines, Tuesday by signing several veterans …

Crabtree rape allegation not holding up  —  Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross, Chronicle Columnists  —  (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press  —  The hotel-room sexual assault allegations against 49ers star wide receiver Michael Crabtree do not appear to be holding up under investigation.

Te'o interview: Reiterates lying about girlfriend  —  NEW YORK — Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, in a TV interview with Katie Couric, reiterated that he briefly lied about his online girlfriend after discovering she didn't exist, while maintaining that he had no part in creating the hoax.

The Indians are looking to add a hitter, have a few bucks to spend (but not too many bucks) and are considering a reunion with several former longtime Indians.  —  Jim Thome and Travis Hafner are two of the ex-Indians being considered, among other free agents.

Liriano reportedly broke arm in bathroom fall  —  The Pirates hope Francisco Liriano can recover from a broken right arm and bolster their rotation in 2013.  (AP)  —  The mystery of Francisco Liriano's broken right arm received some unsubstantiated clarification recently with a newspaper …

Terry Francona Takes the Low Road in New Book  —  The scorned former Red Sox manager just can't resist getting revenge.  —  isportsweb.com  —  The publishing industry is unquestionably turbulent today, but here's something that remains a constant: celebrities or athletes who've attained …