Alex Rodriguez unlikely to return to Yankees, sources say, as third baseman is dealing with new drug scandal and lengthy hip surgery rehab  —  Even before the latest steroid allegations surfaced, Yankee officials had already privately begun preparing for the likelihood that Rodriguez …

Kalish expected to miss at least six months  —  Here are a few items of interest:  —  • Was told earlier today that the recovery time for Ryan Kalish after his shoulder surgery is six months.  So he might not be ready to start baseball-type activities until August.

Padres, Headley agree to $8.575M deal for '13  —  SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres avoided arbitration with third baseman Chase Headley on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, $8.575 million deal with the 2012 Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner.  —  Headley, who finished fifth …

Yankees on the verge of deal with Hafner  —  The Yankees are close enough to a deal with Travis Hafner that it could be announced later today or tomorrow.  Sources have indicated that the deal is in place, just waiting for the contract language to be agreed upon.

Inbox: Are the Rangers overlooking Gentry?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers fans' questions  —  Please explain to me why Leonys Martin gets most of the talk about the center-field position.  Craig Gentry, in my opinion, has done nothing but prove himself over and over again.

Report: Cubs' Marmol accused of abuse in Dominican  —  Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Marmol has been accused of abuse by lawyers for a 24-year-old woman, according to a report in the Dominican Republic.  —  Miledys Mejia Cepeda filed a criminal complaint against Marmol, according to the Dominican newspaper website ListinDiario.com.

Rolen Question unanswered  —  I'm back from vacation.  The skiing was good.  I was thinking maybe that the Scott Rolen Question would be answered while I was gone — after all Walt Jocketty has been saying “we hope to have solved in the next week” since Christmas.  —  It wasn't resolved.

Brewers sign RHP Alfredo Figaro to minor-league deal  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  As it turns out, right-hander Alfredo Figaro will be in the Brewers' spring camp after all.  —  The Brewers thought they had a minor-league deal with Figaro, 28, back in December …

Reds avoid arbitration with Heisey, Simon  —  Outfielder, reliever ink one-year deals; four remain as arbitration-eligible  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds and outfielder Chris Heisey avoided arbitration on Thursday, when he was signed to a one-year, $1.325 million contract.

Red Sox sign two interesting pitchers  —  Baseball America runs a list of minor league transactions on its web site and today brings news that the Red Sox signed knuckeballer Charlie Haeger again.  —  The 29-year-old has 34 games of major league experience, the last coming in 2010 for the Dodgers.

Beachy on track despite ‘trying’ rehab work  —  ATLANTA — Right-hander Brandon Beachy has met with Braves physical therapist Lloyd Van Pamelen a little earlier in the day than normal over the past two weeks.  His motive has been to complete his therapy work in Gwinnett County, Ga. …