DEREK DEFENDS ROGER  —  YANKEES CAPTAIN WARNS OF 'RUSH TO JUDGEMENT'  —  Derek Jeter wants everybody to wait until all the facts are in before declaring Roger Clemens guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs.  —  “It seems right now people are rushing to judgment,” Jeter said of his pal …

Former Brewers outfielder Jenkins agrees with Phils … The Philadelphia Phillies and free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins have reached preliminary agreement on a two-year deal believed to be worth about $13 million, a baseball source told ESPN.com.  —  The agreement includes …

Brewers acquire free agent Gabe Kapler  —  Veteran outfielder signs one-year contract  —  MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers today signed outfielder Gabe Kapler to a one-year contract.  The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

Papelbon's dog reportedly eats World Series ball  —  The baseball from the final out of the 2007 World Series is at Jonathan Papelbon's home in Hattiesburg, Md., according to the Hattiesburg American.  —  Well, part of it is.  —  The rest?  You should ask the Boss.  —  If he could talk, he might say it was delicious.

Willis signs 3-year contract extension with Tigers  —  Dontrelle Willis agreed Thursday to a $29 million, three-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, three weeks after he was acquired from the Florida Marlins in the biggest trade of the offseason.  —  “We're absolutely thrilled to accomplish …

Federal affidavit: Grimsley names Canseco, others  —  NEW YORK — Jose Canseco, Lenny Dykstra, Glenallen Hill and Geronimo Berroa were accused of using steroids by former major league pitcher Jason Grimsley in a federal agent's affidavit unsealed Thursday.  —  Grimsley also accused Chuck Knoblauch …

Padres to retain Barrett  —  DaVanon, Fick also agree to minor league contracts  —  The Padres yesterday reached agreement with backup catcher Michael Barrett on a one-year contract and agreed to terms on minor league contracts with two players with San Diego connections.

Thursday: Answering some questions  —  There's a good chance I may be unable to post until late today (if at all), so I'll tee up a few things for you now, based on some responses I've read here.  —  Who's really interested in Santana?:  The way it was laid out to me, there are several teams interested …

METS IN LEAD FOR LOHSE?  —  The Mets' primary competition for free-agent pitcher Kyle Lohse has dropped out of the bidding.  —  According to Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro, Philadelphia's refusal to go beyond three years for the right-hander ended their pursuit of Lohse, who finished last season in Philly.

NL rotation rankings  —  D'backs, Dodgers stockpiling best arms for 2008  —  Try as they might, National League teams can't bulletproof their starting rotations.  —  By acquiring 2007 Oakland All-Star Danny Haren and '06 Japanese Central League ERA titlist Hiroki Kuroda in the past week …

Yanks' Hank keeping door open for Johan Santana  —  In case you thought the Yankees' dalliance with the Twins over ace lefthander Johan Santana had ended, think again.  —  “There's still an outside chance that we get him,” Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said by phone Wednesday afternoon.

Cubs are not done remodeling  —  Orioles' Roberts still on team's radar  —  The Cubs still would “like to do a few more things” trade-wise, according to general manager Jim Hendry, and Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has not been scratched off the trade list just because he was named in the Mitchell report.

Report: House won't subpoena MLB players  —  Don't expect Roger Clemens to make his first on-camera statements about accusations of his steroid use before a Congressional hearing next month.  Or any other player for that matter.  —  None of the 86 players mentioned in the Mitchell report released …

What's the (non-)deal on Cabrera?  —  Times Staff Writer Mike DiGiovanna answers readers' questions about the team's search for a power-hitting third baseman.  —  Question: I am still at a complete loss over the Miguel Cabrera trade fiasco.  From what I read everywhere …