Bush signs one-year deal  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Brewers knocked off another arbitration-eligible player by signing right-hander Dave Bush to a 2009 contract.  —  I haven't seen the terms yet but Bush made $2.55 million last season and is in his second year of arbitration eligibility.

The Mets' Inexplicable Funk  —  The Mets need you to know that the reason they haven't made a significant signing in a matter of months is not because the Wilpons were fleeced by Bernie Madoff.  “Categorically unrelated,” a spokesperson told CNBC.  But for a team that has a new stadium opening …

Nats, A's Revive Nick Johnson Trade Talks  —  The Nationals and Oakland Athletics, who discussed a potential trade for first baseman Nick Johnson all the way back in November, have revived those talks in recent weeks, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

Aaron Miles not a lock for Cubs second base job  —  Miles will compete for 2B job, spell Theriot at shortstop  —  When the Cubs traded Mark DeRosa to Cleveland the same day they signed free agent Aaron Miles, conventional wisdom suggested Miles would be DeRosa's replacement.

Arbitration madness about to begin  —  Here it comes.  We're warning you now.  It's the arbitration class of 2009, potentially the most expensive, most sport-rattling arbitration class ever.  And it's about to leave a mark on this sport the size of Bryce Canyon.

Angels skirt arbitration with Figgins  —  Versatile veteran gets one-year, $5.775M contract for '09  —  ANAHEIM — The Angels have agreed to terms with Chone Figgins on a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration with the versatile leadoff man.  —  Figgins will earn $5,775,000 on his 2009 contract.

Vizquel: Padres would be a ‘great fit’  —  Club talking with veteran shortstop, eyes a decision this week  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres are seeking depth at shortstop.  Omar Vizquel is looking for a job, preferably, he says, in the National League West Division.  —  Could the two be a match?

Beltran gearing up for memorable year  —  MANATI, Puerto Rico - The crack of the bat echoes throughout the pristine indoor batting cage, Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran drilling line drives from the right side of the plate, even taking a few hacks one-handed.

Owners: Time for a cap in MLB? … PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — Some baseball owners say it may be time to reconsider a salary cap after the New York Yankees spent nearly a half-billion dollars on free agents during a recession that may cause some teams to retrench.

A Death in the Family  —  It is with a heavy heart that I pass along the news that our colleague and friend Todd Drew passed away last night.  According to his wife, “Todd lost the last game of the season in the bottom of the 9th inning just after midnight.  His dear friend Michael and I were with him and he went very peacefully.

Yankees invite 20 to spring training  —  This release from the Yankees:  —  YANKEES INVITE 20 PLAYERS TO 2009 SPRING TRAINING  —  The New York Yankees announced today that they have invited 20 non-roster players to 2009 Spring Training in Tampa, Fla. The list includes four pitchers …

Bonds blockbuster: ‘The Clear’ was legal  —  Buzz up!  —  It could explain why Barry Bonds' attorneys believe the grand jury questions to him were impossibly vague and why the focus of the BALCO case veered from prosecuting distributors of illegal anabolic steroids and money launderers …

Postseason probability added  —  So now we know two things about the 2008 season: how “important” specific games were in each pennant race (the drama index, or DI), and how much players helped their teams win specific games (Win Probability Added, or WPA).  Like peanut butter and chocolate …