McNamee fires fastballs  —  When Brian McNamee answered questions from federal investigators last year, he didn't volunteer a lot beyond what he was asked.  Now, say sources close to Roger Clemens' former trainer, McNamee is providing additional information to investigators as they prepare for a congressional hearing on Feb. 13.

Sources: Braves to acquire CF Kotsay from A's … The Atlanta Braves have reached a preliminary agreement to acquire center fielder Mark Kotsay from the Oakland Athletics, filling the hole created by the departure of Andruw Jones.  The deal will be finalized once Kotsay passes a physical for Atlanta …

Trade swaps Rolen, Glaus  —  By granting Scott Rolen his wish, the Cardinals may have found a way to fulfill one of their own.  —  The Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays are close to finalizing a swap of third basemen that would bring Troy Glaus and his stout bat to St. Louis, while shipping the disenchanted Rolen north.

Mission unhurt by omission  —  Baines stays on ballot despite oversight by 1 staunch supporter  —  From this perspective, and understanding that the process never seems to satisfy anyone, it's clear 542 Hall of Fame voters did a fine job this year.  There were 543 votes cast, however, and the exception, sad to say, was yours truly.

Prospectus Q and A: Ned Colletti by David Laurila  —  Ned Colletti … David Laurila: The Hall of Fame announced its results earlier this week.  What are your thoughts on Goose Gossage gaining induction?  —  Ned Colletti: I'm happy for Goose.  He's a good person and he was an outstanding pitcher who changed the game.

Endy hurts other hammy  —  Endy Chavez, who played only 71 games last season because of a strained left hamstring, hurt his right hamstring and ankle in a play at the plate in December in a winter league game in his native Venezuela, but is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

Payroll blows past promise  —  ST. PETERSBURG - Three interesting things to come out of last week's spring-training-is-closer-than-you- think media session:  — The payroll most likely will exceed $40-million, a significant increase nearly 70 percent from last season's opening day $24-million.

Objects Of Their Affection  —  Lucchino Offers Exhibits A & B As Evidence Of New Era For Red Sox  —  HENRY COOK, 8, of West Hartford, was among the hundreds who came to see the teamÂ's 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies.  (BOB MACDONNELL, HARTFORD COURANT / January 11, 2008)

Rusty Hardin Q&A transcript … The following is a transcript of an interview between ESPN investigative reporter T.J. Quinn and Rusty Hardin, the attorney for Roger Clemens, conducted on Friday.  —  The interview will appear on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET on “Outside The Lines.”

Mets must face collapse and fix unsettled rotation  —  The New York Mets must address two issues before opening day.  —  The first is the bedraggled state of the rotation.  If general manager Omar Minaya will include top outfield prospects Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez in a rich package …