M's taking big risk with Felix deal  —  Once the Seattle Mariners refused to trade Felix Hernandez, they were left with little choice.  —  They had to sign Hernandez to a monster contract.  They were all-in, even knowing they would pay an exorbitant cost.

THE HGH COMMENT: CURT SCHILLING EXPLAINS INCIDENT, WHY HE'S TALKING ABOUT IT  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — When Major League Baseball called Curt Schilling on Thursday night, he admitted to offering misleading statements ... 4 1/2 years ago.  —  But as for this week's claim that a member …

Mark Prior in the present tense  —  Former big league ace has found virtue in quest to return to the Majors  —  The sun is hot on top of a hill in San Diego and the house is white, so white that it looks perfect.  A late-model 1990s sedan stops in the middle of the quiet street …

Boras to open Miami gym for clients  —  How fed up is Scott Boras, one of baseball's most powerful agents, with the accessibility of performance-enhancing drugs in South Florida?  —  So fed up that Boras intends to open a private multi-million dollar sports fitness center for his clients who train in South Florida by next year.

Cards sign Freese to one-year deal  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • The Cardinals and 2011 World Series MVP David Freese have agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration, an official confirmed.

Friday morning Orioles observations: Saunders, Jurrjens, arbitration … Now that former Orioles left-hander Joe Saunders has reportedly agreed to terms with the Mariners on a one-year deal, we know who is not going to be in Sarasota when spring training opens next week.

Latest on Bourn: Mets still interested, says Alderson  —  The Mets still have interest in free-agent OF Michael Bourn, the team's GM, Sandy Alderson, said in a chat with fans on MLB.com yesterday.  —  “For us, he would be a very nice fit,” Alderson said of Bourn, since he'd add speed to the lineup and improve the team's defense.

Diamondbacks To Extend Aaron Hill  —  The Diamondbacks officially announced that they've extended second baseman Aaron Hill through 2016.  The deal is valued at $35MM, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, who first reported the agreement (on Twitter).  The Legacy Agency represents Hill.

Mexico captures Caribbean Series in 18-inning thriller  —  Clark's homer gives Mexico's Yaquis de Obregon second title in three years  —  Mexico celebrates after winning the Caribbean Series in front of its home fans.  (Andres Leighton/AP)  —  HERMOSILLO, Mexico — It took a lot longer …

A's don't mind leaving underdog role behind  —  Surprise AL West champions looking to carry momentum into 2013  —  OAKLAND — Hefty expectations will naturally surround the American League West defending champion Athletics this spring.  —  “It's better than having no expectations,” …

Wainwright, Garcia focus on present  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8285  —  JUPITER, Fla.   • Two Cardinals starting pitchers who will face their future in the coming weeks of spring training, though in far different ways …

Troy Tulowitzki impresses new Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss  —  Walt Weiss wanted to see for himself.  —  There are a number of things he needs to be successful in his first year as the Rockies' manager and having Troy Tulowitzki in the lineup regularly ranks near the top of the list.

Angel Villalona Gets Visa, Will Be In Giants Big League Camp  —  Angel Villalona has received his work visa and will be in big league camp with the Giants for spring training, a team official confirmed today.  He will travel to Arizona next week to join the team.