Padres make Wells offer, want answer by end of week  —  Kevin Towers won't call it a deadline.  —  But he'd like to get an answer from pitcher David Wells "by the end of this week."  —  The Padres have made a formal contract offer to the 43-year-old left-hander after what Towers described as a series of "positive dialogues."

Braves look to strengthen bullpen with deal  —  The Pirates finally are on the verge of obtaining first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Braves, but the price won't simply be left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.  —  The Braves also will receive Class A shortstop Brent Lillibridge …

Nationals sign four prospects  —  Club continues to stock system as Spring Training nears  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals agreed to terms on professional contracts with catcher Sandy Leon, shortstop Adrian Sanchez, center fielder Jesus Morales and first baseman Juan Urdaneta on Wednesday.

Jays ink Fasano to Minor League deal  —  Veteran catcher realizes he'll likely begin season at Triple-A  —  TORONTO — Sal Fasano understands that he might not make Toronto's Opening Day roster.  That didn't stop the free-agent catcher from signing with the Blue Jays, though.

Dodgers sign pitcher Tsao, a former Rockies prospect  —  The Dodgers have reached an agreement with pitcher Chin-Hui Tsao, the top prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization before injuries derailed his progress.  —  A contract is contingent on Tsao passing a physical once he obtains …

Rox remain keen on Lawrence  —  The Rockies could find out Thursday if starter Brian Lawrence accepts their counter-offer.  Seattle, however, has emerged as the slight favorite, while Pittsburgh promised to make a new proposal Thursday.  After losing out on reliever Chris Reitsma to the Mariners …

Nationals set to add vet Womack  —  Longtime utilityman can play multiple positions  —  WASHINGTON — Looking to improve their bench, the Nationals are set to sign infielder/outfielder Tony Womack to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, MLB.com has been told.

Rangers see Sosa as a middle man  —  Rangers manager Ron Washington and hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo caution that Sammy Sosa won't be awarded a roster spot simply based on a resume that includes 588 career home runs.  —  But the new manager was impressed enough by what he saw Monday …

Sox dealing with Pena, Donnelly  —  The Red Sox [team stats] have avoided making a single arbitration hearing appearance since Theo Epstein took over as general manager, and it does not appear that the club will be attending one anytime soon.  —  The Sox and their two arbitration-eligible players …

QB Vick raises suspicion at Miami airport  —  Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was reluctant to throw away his 20-ounce water bottle at a Miami International Airport security checkpoint Wednesday morning.  —  The reason, police say: The plastic bottle had a secret compartment that …

Expert Ties Ex-Player's Suicide to Brain Damage  —  Since the former National Football League player Andre Waters killed himself in November, an explanation for his suicide has remained a mystery.  But after examining remains of Mr. Waters's brain, a neuropathologist in Pittsburgh is claiming …

MLB considers adding playoff off-day  —  Proposal involves extra day before Game 5 of Division Series  —  PHOENIX — Major League Baseball officials are discussing the possibility of scheduling an off-day prior to a deciding Game 5 in the Division Series, Bob DuPuy, MLB's president …