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 …

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.

Pietruszkiewicz: Williams commits No. 1 sin  —  Finally, after being jilted so many times this off-season, after watching so many primary targets slip out of focus, after hearing the complaints from a fan base begging for something, anything to be added instead of this constant stream of subtractions …

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.

Minor League Transactions  —  This week's installment considers all transactions reported by MLB between Dec. 15, 2007, and Jan. 4, 2008.  Last week's transactions are available here.  —  Minor league free agent signing season is in full swing, and some notable names from prospectdom past found homes …

Ghost writer quits Jose Canseco book  —  Jose Canseco's sequel to his 2005 best-seller “Juiced” has hit its first snag.  —  As the Daily News first reported last weekend, former Bash Brother Canseco has finalized a deal to publish “Vindicated” with Penguin Books, with a planned release date to coincide with Opening Day.

Gonzo wants to play for the Brewers  —  I spoke with the agent for free agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez this afternoon and he assured me that Gonzalez would love to play for the Brewers in 2008.  —  “Luis thinks he'd be a perfect fit in Milwaukee,” said agent Terry Bross.

Brush Prairie all-star Staley dies at 87  —  Gerry Staley, perhaps the most successful major leaguer to come out of Clark County, has died at the age of 87.  —  Staley, who was born in Brush Prairie and went on to four All-Star selections, died Wednesday at his Hazel Dell home.

Yankees still considering Santana trade  —  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The New York Yankees are still discussing whether to pursue a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana, and senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner would like to make a deal.  —  “Nothing is really decided at this point,” …

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marlins sign Cantu, 13 others  —  Infielder split last season between Rays and Reds  —  MIAMI — In his short stint with the Reds last season, Jorge Cantu began showing flashes of his old self.  —  The Marlins are hopeful that the soon-to-be 26-year-old infielder will revert to his 2005 form.