Prior to pitch close to home, agrees with Padres … Mark Prior, cut loose by the Cubs earlier this month, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres.  —  An announcement is expected to come sometime Wednesday.  —  Prior, 27, last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, and had shoulder surgery in April of 2007.

Report: Clemens' attorney launches own probe  —  Roger Clemens' lead attorney told the New York Times that his firm is launching its own investigation into allegations the seven-time Cy Young winner used steroids and human growth hormone.  —  “We are convinced the conclusions in Mitchell's report …

$23.88 Million Tax?  That's Life, Not Luxury, for Yankees  —  The problem with doing business on the Yankees' lofty economic level is the cost of doing business.  —  This past season, the Yankees signed Roger Clemens to pitch for them for 60 percent of the season, and it cost them just under $25 million …

Q&A: Tracy Ringolsby on the BBWAA  —  Tracy Ringolsby has been a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America since 1976.  He has covered the Colorado Rockies for the Rocky Mountain News for more than 15 years.  Ringolsby had previously worked for the Long Beach Independent …

Marlins sign former Pirates 2B Castillo  —  The Marlins on Monday signed former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Jose Castillo, potentially plugging a key hole in their infield.  —  The only question is whether Castillo will replace Miguel Cabrera at third base or if he'll play second, which would shift Dan Uggla to third base.

Joba prepares for starting role  —  Act II of his big league life is set to begin, and Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to perform as a starter.  Still, the baseball world will picture him in his last role, as the Yankees' nearly invincible setup man.  —  Much of his audience will expect to see a dominating force every fifth day.

Two Sides of the Keith Coin  —  I don't usually look at the Pennysaver.  A pile of them, chock full of come-ons for discounted liquor, same-day service on dry cleaning and excellent prices on demolition and rubbish removal, is left in our lobby once a week and I walk right by without a glance.

Can Mike Mussina be league-average?  —  While the 2007 Yankees made the playoffs with a half-season contributions from plenty of key pieces, a lot of fans seem to doubt their 2008 prospects.  True, they will be relying on a bunch of rookies, but they got them to the playoffs in 2007.

Mets' hopes dashed in one fell swoop  —  Year with so much promise comes to an unceremonious end  —  NEW YORK — Perhaps hindsight isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Not 20-20 certainly, maybe it's 27-27.  When the Mets looked back at the All-Star break, that's what they saw.

Q&A with Shelley Duncan  —  Outfielder discusses living holiday life in a baseball family  —  Shelley Duncan's upbeat, enthusiastic attitude hasn't changed just because the Yankees are in the offseason.  In fact, getting a taste of life in the Major Leagues this year and seeing what New York …

Reds' hopes high after disappointing '07  —  After Baker's hiring, club looks to make splash in new season  —  CINCINNATI — Optimism that gave way to tumult gave way to optimism again.  —  That was 2007 calendar year in a nutshell for the Reds.  —  Coming off a promising 2006 season …

Adjusted Penalties for Crack May Aid Ex-Ballplayer's Case  —  Willie Mays Aikens is a part of baseball lore.  As a member of the 1980 Kansas City Royals, he became the only man to hit more than one home run in two games of the same World Series.  —  But 27 years after his feat …