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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Don't hang the blame on Young, just hang the GM  —  For the Texas Rangers, this has been a blessed week.  No, seriously.  —  For a franchise currently stuck on nowhere — been nowhere, going nowhere, no clues nowhere — there's suddenly been a massive amount of jock kingdom headline and air-time hogging.

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 …