Astros sign Cassel with eyes on Prior  —  Wade makes offer to former Cubs righty; Benson also in mix  —  HOUSTON — Astros general manager Ed Wade is probably done trading players, but that doesn't mean he's done shaping the 2008 roster.  Scouring the free-agent market, Wade continues to be on the lookout for starting pitching.

Kasten talks about Mitchell Report  —  Club president didn't receive notice of names in investigation  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals president Stan Kasten on Monday broke his silence about the Mitchell Report, which linked 89 current and former players to performance-enhancing drugs …

Javy Lopez rejoins Braves  —  Former fan favorite signed to minor league contract  —  Javy Lopez is back with the Braves.  —  The Braves signed their popular former catcher to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, where the 37-year-old will try to win a job backing up catcher Brian McCann.

Rivera finalizes three-year pact  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera's wish to finish his career in Yankees pinstripes, the only uniform he has worn in the big leagues, is on its way to coming true.  —  Rivera and the club formally finalized a three-year, $45 million agreement on Monday.

Bombers release 2008 schedule  —  Dates announced for final season at current Yankee Stadium  —  NEW YORK — The dates for the final regular-season games at the current Yankee Stadium are now set, as the Yankees officially released their 2008 schedule on Monday.

Another injunction sought against ex-Rays' Dukes  —  TAMPA — Another woman has asked a judge to protect her from ex-Rays player Elijah Dukes, saying he sent her threatening text messages.  —  Amanda E. Reese, 23, was granted a temporary injunction for protection against domestic violence on Dec. 10.

Vina admits HGH use, denies steroid claims  —  ESPN baseball analyst and former major leaguer Fernando Vina said Monday he used HGH in 2003 to try and recover from injuries, but said he never bought steroids from former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, despite claims to the contrary …

Seattle Mariners raising ticket prices  —  If you're thinking of filling those Christmas stockings with Seattle Mariners tickets for the baseball nut in your life, be prepared to take a hit in the wallet.  —  The Mariners have tried to spend big this offseason, without success.

New York Yankees to begin final season at Yankee Stadium on March 31  —  Yankees host Toronto Blue Jays in season opener  —  The 26-time-World Champion New York Yankees will begin the 2008 season — the 106th in franchise history and their last in the current Yankee Stadium — at home on Monday …

Mailbag: Putting Rowand in perspective  —  Beat reporter Scott Merkin answers Sox fans' questions … The White Sox should be focusing on one thing— pitching.  Why is that not the case?  —Will, Evergreen Park, Ill.  —  On Friday morning, I had the chance to appear on an ESPN radio program …

Berkman: Pettitte's statement on Mitchell findings puts pressure on Clemens  —  Astros slugger says Rocket needs to make more detailed response after friend goes public  —  Never afraid to share his opinion, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman spoke Sunday about the confession …