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

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 …

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 …

Phillies Sign Delmon Young  —  The Phillies announced that they signed Delmon Young to a one-year, $750K contract.  The deal includes roster and performance bonuses that could bring the value of the contract to the $3.25MM range, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter).

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.

Orioles Pursuing Jason Kubel  —  The Orioles are pursuing a trade for Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter).  However, talks are not at an advanced stage.  The Diamondbacks were looking to obtain young pitching from the Orioles for Kubel earlier in the month.

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 …

Griffey to be inducted into Mariners Hall of Fame  —  SEATTLE — Ken Griffey Jr., considered by most to be the greatest player to don a Mariners uniform, will be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame on Aug. 10, the team announced Tuesday.  —  Griffey, who retired from baseball on June 2 …

Q&A: Austin embraces position, past  —  Yankees ‘mega-prospect’ overcame cancer, idolized Jeter  —  The Yankees have taken a quiet approach when it comes to making big moves ahead of the 2013 season, mostly due to cost-cutting measures, but a hoard of young talent at the lower levels of the Minors could bolster the club's future.