Curt Schilling: ‘Members of the [Red Sox] organization’ encouraged me to use PEDs  —  Curt Schilling, in a Wednesday interview on ESPN Radio, said toward the end of his tenure with the Red Sox he was encouraged to use performance-enhancing drugs by “members of the organization.”

Mariners, Felix Hernandez agree to $175 million deal  —  Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez has agreed to a seven-year, $175 million contract that should be finalized before spring training, making him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history, a person familiar with the contract details told USA TODAY Sports.

Francisco, Collins say vet still Mets closer  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Frank Francisco made his closing argument yesterday.  This is an open and shut case.  —  “I am the closer,” Francisco told The Post at the Mets spring-training complex.  —  No ifs, ands or buts about it.

NY Mets still motivated to sign Michael Bourn but adamant about keeping first-round draft pick  —  As it stands, the Mets have the unprotected 11th pick, because the Pittsburgh Pirates failed to sign their top draft choice last year, and received a top-10 pick this year as compensation.

Line Up, Shut Up and Maybe Mr. Jeter Will Sign  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Shortly before noon, and nearly a week before spring training was to begin, a Yankees employee named John Johnson received word on his two-way radio that Derek Jeter had wrapped up his work for the day and would be leaving the team's minor-league complex here.

Lonely days ahead for Mark Buehrle  —  Pitcher's pit bull outlawed in Toronto, so family won't join him once season begins  —  A brief scouting report on Slater Buehrle:  —  He's 2 years old and weighs 65 pounds.  His coat is slate blue, his ears are floppy and his eyes are a doleful shade of gray and green.

Bochy can see Wilson back in SF after recovery  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Manager Bruce Bochy offered Giants fans a glimmer of hope that closer Brian Wilson could pitch again for the ballclub someday.  —  Bochy spent an hour Wednesday addressing members of the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco …

Don't count on Red Sox getting in hunt for Kyle Lohse  —  The rumors regarding the Red Sox and Kyle Lohse resurfaced earlier this week thanks in part to a tweet from Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and Sirius/XM Radio ...  According to a major league source, however, it is “highly unlikely” …