Dobbs agrees to two-year deal with Phillies; Oliver signs with Angels  —  Greg Dobbs, a key role player for the Phillies, has found a measure of security with his new World Series ring.  Dobbs agreed to a two-year, $2.5-million contract today.  —  Dobbs, who hit .301 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs …

Rays sign reliever Lance Cormier  —  The Rays signed righthanded reliever Lance Cormier to a one-year, $675,000 contract.  —  To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated for assignment righthander Dewon Day, whom they had just claimed off waivers.  —  Cormier, 28, was with the Orioles …

Reds legends help ‘Ellen’ land Clooney  —  Movie star a life-long fan of Hall of Fame Cincinnati sluggers  —  Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan have done what the Chippendales, the Rockettes, Brad Pitt and even president-elect Barack Obama couldn't.  —  After more than two years of trying …

Sox sign Colon - bye, bye Freddy Garcia  —  The White Sox were looking to add a veteran pitcher to compete in the starting rotation at some point this offseason, and all signs pointed toward it being the pitcher nicknamed “Big Game.”  —  Rather than take a chance on the ailing shoulder of Freddy Garcia …

Why Baseball Matters  —  I still feel numb.  Even though I knew Todd was in bad shape-he was in intensive care for more than three weeks-I still can't believe he's dead.  At 41.  He was a kindred spirit, a part of the Banter family as a regular commentor (as he was over at Pete Abe's as well) long before he joined us as a writer.

Brewers' pursuit of Dunn is done  —  Team not interested in trading Hart to open spot for slugger  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers showed some interest in free-agent slugger Adam Dunn during the Winter Meetings, but by Christmas there was no longer a match, general manager Doug Melvin said.

Cowboys assistant Garrett traveling to St. Louis  —  Jason Garrett is traveling to St. Louis this afternoon, according to a league source, and it could be a sign that the Cowboys' offensive coordinator is the Rams' pick as their new head coach.  —  The Rams said Thursday that they wanted to have a head-coaching decision by Saturday.

Varitek, Henry to meet  —  In what may be a final attempt to end a stalemate that has existed throughout this offseason, Red Sox captain Jason Varitek has a meeting planned with club owner John Henry tonight that could facilitate a resolution with the free-agent catcher.

Braves eyeing returns for Glavine, Jones  —  ATLANTA — The Braves will wait for Tom Glavine to meet with doctors next week before deciding whether to offer a one-year contract, and they are mulling whether to sign Andruw Jones.  —  Glavine made just 13 starts before season-ending elbow surgery and has not thrown off a mound since.

Dodgers talk privately with Russell Martin, part ways with Andruw Jones  —  The catcher and McCourts share lunch and tour of team's new spring training facility in Arizona, as he expresses hopes for long-term contract extension.  Jones is release after disappointing results.

Bonds OK'd for New York ballparks  —  Yankees, Mets get additional public funding for new homes  —  NEW YORK — The New York Yankees and Mets have won their fight to get public backing for additional financing for their new ballparks.  —  The city's Industrial Development Agency …

Carlos Delgado will honor Roberto Clemente at WBC  —  Carlos Delgado knows there will be much riding on his back when he dons his World Baseball Classic jersey for Puerto Rico in March.  The Met first baseman has been given permission by Roberto Clemente's family to wear No. 21 …

Williams has harsh words for ex-teammate Dykstra  —  Reading, PA - Mitch Williams says he doesn't see much of his former Philadelphia Phillies teammates these days.  He's done some broadcast work with John Kruk and occasionally talks to Dave Hollins, but other than that he doesn't hear much from the “Macho Row” crew.

Three Yankees file for arbitration  —  Outfielders Nady and Melky, reliever Bruney could go to hearing  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees' Brian Bruney, Melky Cabrera and Xavier Nady joined a group of 111 Major League players who filed for salary arbitration on Thursday.