Congress Calls Clemens and Trainer to Testify  —  WASHINGTON - The star pitcher Roger Clemens, his former trainer Brian McNamee and three others will be asked to testify under oath before a Congressional committee at a hearing Jan. 16.  —  In addition to Clemens, the House Oversight Committee …

Another rebuilding move by A's Beane  —  No one is safe now that the A's rebuilding efforts are in full swing.  On Thursday, general manager Billy Beane unexpectedly traded one of the club's most popular and productive players, sending outfielder Nick Swisher to the White Sox for three standout prospects.

Ayala hurt on hunting trip, should still be ready  —  This just dropped in.  I'll make some calls, but this is straight from the Nationals:  —  While on a fishing/hunting trip shortly after Christmas, Luis Ayala was accidentally sprayed in the upper LEFT forearm by a single shotgun pellet.

Cards bring back Miles with one-year contract  —  The Cardinals fortified their infield depth by bringing Aaron Miles back with a one-year contract finalized Friday, the team confirmed this morning.  —  Miles returns for a third season with the Cardinals and will provide depth for both middle infield positions.

Steinbrenners and blog codes  —  Two things:  —  There's some talk out there that Hank and Hal Steinbrenner may not be in agreement as to what to do about Santana, perhaps because Hal Steinbrenner doesn't want the payroll to keep rising.  Hal almost never does interviews …

An Interview with Paul DePodesta  —  Here's that interview I talked about a few weeks ago, I'd like to thank Paul for taking time out of his busy holiday and team schedule to answer some questions and note to owners; hire this guy as your next general manager, you won't regret it.

Cards add Clement, see rotation as ‘legitimate’  —  The Cardinals took their first gamble of 2008 on Thursday by signing free-agent pitcher Matt Clement to an incentive-laden, one-year deal that closes a hole in their rotation and creates the possibility of a payoff for 2009 as well.

Wealth of free agents in waiting  —  Reality sets in quickly with the start of the new year.  —  There are 27 players on the free-agent market - Roger Clemens excluded - who made at least $5 million in 2007 who don't have a job yet for 2008.  —  Home run king Barry Bonds heads the list.

Boston Red Sox  —  Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel.  All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Huge raise on the way for Howard  —  Arbitration will jump slugger's salary, and long-term deal could be possible  —  Most of their offseason shopping is complete, but the Phillies still must make one of their biggest decisions before spring training.  —  Should they sign Ryan Howard to a long-term contract?

Mariners/Pirates deal; No Clement?  Aw shucks..  —  The Pirates and Mariners have been talking for quite some time it seems as we heard Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington passed on a Jones-Morrow-Sherrill deal for Snell in December.  —  A few of my scouting buds are questioning whether …

Cubs to add seats, signs at Wrigley  —  The Cubs received permission to add 70 “bullpen box seats” along the third base line at Wrigley Field and install additional signage inside the park.  —  The city on Thursday gave approval for the changes at the 93-year-old ballpark, which has landmark status.