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.

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.

Vina admits HGH use, but disputes 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 …

Young tries physical therapy  —  The longtime physical therapist for golfer Tiger Woods could play a role in whether the Padres reach the playoffs.  —  Pitcher Chris Young, beset by injuries to three torso muscles the past two years, has enlisted Keith Kleven, acclaimed for his muscle work with Woods and other pro golfers.

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 …

New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A  — Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+  — Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+  — Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B

Silent nights: A-Rod says he, Boras not speaking  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's desire to go it alone in contract talks with the Yankees drove a wedge between him and his longtime agent, Scott Boras.  —  But the player revealed the depth of the hard feelings in a "60 Minutes" …

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 …

Yankees, Rivera finalize three-year, $45M contract  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees made it official Monday, finalizing a $45 million, three-year contract that will keep the ace closer in pinstripes.  —  Rivera became a free agent after the season and then told the team last month he would accept their offer.

Clemens to address coaches about speech  —  Roger Clemens, who remained publicly silent Monday regarding the allegations against him in Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report, is expected to speak by phone today with officials of the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association to discuss whether …

Winter League Action  —  I'm waist deep in draft guide projections and writeups, so these next couple of columns won't be quite as wordy as usual.  Up this week is a look at how players are performing in winter ball.  —  Dominican Winter League  —  .246/.289/.342, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 15/6 K/BB, 7 SB in 114 AB

Minor League Transactions  —  Though it may be the smallest transactions window ever, Dec. 12-14, plenty of moves were made.  —  Last week's transactions available here.  —  Baltimore Orioles  —  Signed: RHP Cory Doyne, RHP Roberto Novoa  —  Released: RHP Zach Cole, RHP Josh Potter, RHP Ezequiel Selen, LHP Mark Horner