Sources: Red Sox, Youkilis agree to deal  —  The Red Sox locked up another of their young stars to a long-term deal Thursday.  —  Youkilis  —  Boston avoided arbitration with Kevin Youkilis, agreeing to a four-year contract with the first baseman worth more than $40 million, sources told ESPN's Peter Gammons.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 …

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.

Garland rejects D-Backs' offer  —  Looking for stability in their rotation, the Diamondbacks made a run at innings-eater Jon Garland this week, but their offer to the right-hander was rejected on Thursday.  —  The length and value of the offer is not known, but it had a short shelf-life that expired Thursday.

Yankees want Posada to skip Classic  —  Catcher's father says son has signed to play for Puerto Rico  —  NEW YORK — Jorge Posada's hopes of playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic may be dashed by the Yankees, who would prefer to have the catcher physically prepared for Opening Day.

Hendry hunts for pitcher hunt  —  Lots of free agents remain on the market, and premier trade targets Jake Peavy and Brian Roberts are hanging in varying degrees of limbo.  —  But as the Cubs approach the last month of their offseason, it looks more likely that what fans see at the Cubs Convention …

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.

Dodgers to release Andruw Jones today  —  Unless they quickly can find a trading partner, the Dodgers are expected to release outfielder Andruw Jones today.  MLB.com reports L.A. had trade discussions about Jones with two teams earlier this week, but couldn't finalize a deal.

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.

Cubs hope for sale by Opening Day  —  Chairman wants to have owner, as well as deal finalized by MLB  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The chairman of the Chicago Cubs said on Wednesday that he not only hopes to have an owner designate for the franchise by Opening Day, but he hopes the transaction …