Marlins discuss Andruw Jones  —  If Andruw Jones doesn't return to the Atlanta Braves, he might find a landing spot in South Florida.  —  According to a baseball source, the Marlins have conducted internal discussions about Jones, who the Dodgers released Thursday after restructuring …

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 …

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.

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.

Youkilis transcript  —  The Red Sox held a press conference at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Fenway Park to formally announce the signing of first baseman Kevin Youkilis to a four-year contract with a fifth-year option.  —  The ball club did not reveal the financial terms of the deal …

An Interview with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt  —  Everyone's familiar with ESPN Sportscenter anchor Scott Van Pelt, so let's do away with the formality of introducing him.  In our interview with him, the Maryland grad - who also covers golf for ESPN - talked about nightlife in Bristol …

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 …

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.