Nationals, Kearns agree on extension  —  Team locks up outfielder for three years, avoids arbitration  —  WASHINGTON — Outfielder Austin Kearns acknowledged that he was surprised when the Reds traded him to the Nationals during the All-Star break last season.  The trade meant that he was leaving his home in Lexington, Ky.

Pirates sign Armas for starting rotation  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates today signed right-handed starter Tony Armas Jr. to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2008.  —  He will make $3 million in base pay this coming season, $5 million the following season if the option is exercised.

Matheny retires after concussion symptoms don't improve  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Mike Matheny's decision to retire was made for him.  His doctor refused to clear the longtime catcher to play in 2007 after a concussion sidelined him for the final four months of last season.

Orioles, Roberts Close on Contract  —  The Baltimore Orioles are close to signing second baseman Brian Roberts to a one-year, $4.2 million contract, thereby avoiding arbitration, according to one source close to the negotiations.  The move could be finalized today, though the Orioles did not wish to comment directly on the deal.

So Far, Matsuzaka Making Smooth Adjustment  —  Daisuke Matsuzaka will face many adjustments as he transitions from life in Japan to the United States.  But the Red Sox's $103 million pitcher has already conquered a big one.  —  "One of the things I was most worried about in coming …

Astros would be wise to sign Trachsel  —  The Astros are short two starting pitchers, one if Roger Clemens returns, which is hardly a sure thing.  —  What, pray tell, are they doing about it?  —  Very little.  —  That's right, the same team that awarded future DH Carlos Lee $100 million …

Sam Donnellon |  Will Philly chase Utley?  —  THERE WAS A time, not so long ago, when longevity in this town implied an athlete's greatness.  Bobby Clarke.  Julius Erving.  Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton.  —  And now?  Who wouldn't want an Eric Lindros?  A Curt Schilling?

Bonds' contract: Deal or no deal?  —  AGENT: HE WON'T SIGN GIANTS' REVISED PACT  —  Barry Bonds' done deal isn't: The newly signed one-year agreement between the Giants and their home-run star hit a snag Wednesday.  —  The main sticking point appears to be a ``personal-appearances'' provision …

For Rangers, the line forms at the end  —  Competition will be fierce for last spot in rotation  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - Those Rangers.  Real jokers.  —  Just consider their next scheduled prank: In two weeks, they'll see how many fifth-starter candidates they can stuff into one tiny spring training camp.

PECOTA Takes on Prospects, Introduction  —  Last year, we ran our first-ever series of PECOTA-based prospect rankings.  This wasn't necessarily intended to be an annual feature, but it proved to generate a lot of good discussion, so here we are again.  —  Are the PECOTA rankings intended …

Report: Phils offer Rowand to Padres for reliever Linebrink  —  At first glance, the Internet rumor that has been circulating for a few days - Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand to the San Diego Padres for righthanded reliever Scott Linebrink - appeared to make little sense.

Bonds' chase a good time to glorify Aaron … It is the most important number — 755 — not just in baseball history, but in all of sports.  It is more recognizable than 60, 73, 3,000, .400, 500 or 56.  But now, 755 is under attack from the greatest hitter that most of us have ever seen, one of the three greatest hitters of all time.