Mets make Lowe an offer, but expect slow response  —  The Mets do not anticipate a quick resolution to the pursuit of Derek Lowe, despite their three-year offer of roughly $36 million, and have a free-agent contingency plan in place that includes, in order, Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf and Jon Garland.

Turnbow, Rangers agree to deal  —  The Rangers moved to upgrade their bullpen Wednesday night by reaching a tentative agreement with free-agent right-hander Derrick Turnbow on a one-year contract.  —  Turnbow chose the Rangers over the Marlins and Pirates, in large part because of his familiarity …

Cubs trade DeRosa to Indians, what's next?  —  After a relatively slow off-season, the Cubs stepped it up on New Year's Eve, saying good-bye to Mark DeRosa while welcoming his replacement, Aaron Miles.  —  DeRosa was traded to Cleveland for three pitching prospects, shortly after the announcement …

Closers market drying up for Brewers  —  With Fuentes gone, Milwaukee has few free-agent options remaining  —  MILWAUKEE — It came as little surprise to Brewers general manager Doug Melvin on Wednesday when free-agent closer Brian Fuentes chose his home-state Angels.

The Pedro Feliciano Project  —  For players in Caribbean winter leagues like Pedro Feliciano, each game is an exercise in multitasking.  —  Feliciano, who is currently pitching for Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, has the immediate task in front of him—helping his team to the Puerto Rican playoffs.

Yanks spend for big results  —  Team invests in quest to return to postseason glory  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees' organizational message was so clear heading into the offseason, they might as well have trumpeted it from the message boards that hang on the sides of the old Yankee Stadium.

MLB Network to debut in mere hours  —  Today's debut to be seen in 50 million households  —  Studios 3 and 42 are ready, the new talent is ready, the new theme music is ready, the highlights are ready, Don Larsen's perfect game is ready after 52 years under wraps, the remotes are ready …

Hendrickson signing solidifies O's staff  —  Veteran left-hander adds experience to young crew of pitchers  —  BALTIMORE — The Orioles made their first official tweak to their pitching staff on Wednesday, when they announced that they had signed veteran Mark Hendrickson to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

Los Angeles Angels Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  Los Angeles Angels Top 20 Prospects for 2009  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get out of the top 10.

Nationals in serious pursuit of Bradley  —  WASHINGTON — Although they lost to the Yankees in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, the Nationals continue to look for offensive help.  According to a baseball source, Washington has serious interest in free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley.