Willis avoids arbitration, agrees to one-year deal  —  Dontrelle Willis has become a foundational player on and off the field.  The Marlins recognize that and are paying him as such.  —  Monday, the Marlins and Willis agreed to a one-year, $6.45 million contract to avoid arbitration.

Sutton named Nationals' color analyst  —  Hall of Famer to join Carpenter in broadcasting booth  —  WASHINGTON — Hall of Famer Don Sutton was named the Nationals' color analyst for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network on Monday.  He will join play-by-play broadcaster Bob Carpenter in the booth for more than 150 regular-season games.

City gets '09 All-Star Game  —  The Cardinals celebrated their 2006 World Series title on Monday night at the annual baseball writers banquet and got an extra gift when Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Busch Stadium would be the host for the 2009 All-Star Game.

Sheffield Makes Noise Again, This Time in a Book  —  In an autobiography to be published this spring, Gary Sheffield, a player famous for voicing his displeasure, describes his relationship with Barry Bonds, his link to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid distribution case …

Mets Clear a Comeback Trail for Sierra  —  How can you like a guy like this?  —  Rubén Sierra is batting in the ninth inning of a game against Texas, the last game before the All-Star Game last July.  Minnesota is down by three runs with a runner on second base, two out and Joe Mauer on deck.

Second player needed for LaRoche deal, but who?  —  Pirates, Braves still stuck on Atlanta first baseman  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates are, by all accounts, casting a wide net in their search for a left-handed power bat, particularly in light …

Mailbag: Why shuffle Hall to outfield?  —  Beat reporter Adam McCalvy answers Brewers fans' questions  —  Straight to the mailbag, beginning with a sample of questions and comments on a topic I've heard plenty about.  —  Can you explain the rationale behind moving Bill Hall to the outfield?

Sammy Sosa works out for Rangers  —  Free agent did not play in Major Leagues in 2006  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers worked out free agent outfielder Sammy Sosa on Monday at Ameriquest Field in Arlington.  —  Sosa also met with general manager Jon Daniels over dinner Monday night.

Delmon could be a dangerous weapon  —  The assignment is to identify the "hottest rookie" who will begin the season in the major leagues.  Thank goodness I can sidestep defining "hot."  Because first, a definition of "rookie" is in order.  —  Like it or not, Daisuke Matsuzaka …

Mailbag: How will Diaz fare in 2007?  —  Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Rangers fans' questions … Victor Diaz was picked up last year in a relatively quiet move.  I know he was pretty highly touted in the Mets system and have wondered why he's not getting more play here as a designated hitter or fourth outfielder.