D-Backs want a decision on Upton or Kubel by Friday  —  The Mets, Orioles, Padres and Braves have all reportedly talked with the D-Backs about outfielders Justin Upton and/or Jason Kubel, though no team was willing to meet Arizona's initial asking price.  —  3:20 pm: The Braves …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 phone logs show hours of calls to ‘Kekua’  —  Manti Te'o and the woman whose picture was used to portray his fake girlfriend appeared in separate television interviews Wednesday to describe their roles in the hoax, while phone records give credence to Te'o's assertion that he spent hours …

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.