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 …

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.

Nats, A's not close on Johnson talks  —  Washington looking to make swap for injury-prone first baseman  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals and Athletics have discussed possible trade scenarios recently, but nothing is imminent, according to a baseball source.  —  The last time the two clubs talked was last week.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 …

Red Sox' Lars Anderson more than prospect  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  Just hearing the name Lars Anderson conjures a certain image, like someone pulling a trolley in the World's Strongest Man competition or skating up the wing for Denmark.

Yankees announce spring training invites  —  Here's the press release from the Yankees.  It seems to indicate that Shelley Duncan has cleared waivers and will be in the system next season.  I'm making phone calls to confirm.  The only new name is outfielder Todd Linden (right), who's a pretty nice addition.