Rangers' farm system second to none  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME START YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW  —  As a prelude to Thursday's publication of the top 100 prospects in baseball for 2009, I've ranked all 30 organizations on the current states of their farm systems.

Kent walks away after 17 seasons  —  Retires as all-time home run leader among second basemen  —  LOS ANGELES — Jeff Kent, the premier slugging second baseman of his generation and arguably of all-time, will announce his retirement at a Dodger Stadium news conference Thursday, MLB.com has learned.

Durbin Agrees to One-Year Deal  —  And then there was one.  —  The Inquirer has learned that the Phillies have reached an agreement with righthander Chad Durbin on a one-year, $1.635 million contract.  This follows the news that rightfielder Jayson Werth has agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies.

ESPN shuffles talent to battle partner MLB  —  One of the longest-running acts in TV sports is getting a new cast member.  ESPN will formally announce Wednesday that Steve Phillips will join Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, who've called ESPN's Sunday night baseball for 19 years.

ROTI Exclusive: Maple Bat Man Strikes Back!  —  You might wonder what would inspire a normally sane, rational man to write this:  —  So, while you're sitting around this Christmas handing out hundreds of dollars in presents to the ones you care for, think about all the families and business you have managed to destroy.

Ausmus could fit in Padres' plans  —  Indications are veteran is backup catcher Friars are eyeing  —  SAN DIEGO — Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Tuesday that the lone missing piece to his offseason wish list is finding a veteran catcher to back up and mentor rookie Nick Hundley.

Heath Bell and Arbitration  —  Today we announced an agreement on a one-year deal with Heath Bell, thereby avoiding the arbitration process.  This was our final arbitration eligible player for this winter, as we've reached agreements with Scott Hairston, Jody Gerut, and Luis Rodriguez in the past few weeks …

Mark McGwire's One-Eyed Baby Brother Reveals The Not-So-Startling Truth  —  Jay McGwire idolized his older brothers, became hooked on steroids, crashed, found God, and now wants to share his story with the world.  He also claims he introduced the fallen home run hero to 'roids.

Braves seek to bring back Sutton to booth  —  Ex-Braves announcer would be paired with new hire Powell  —  The Braves have hired Jim Powell for their radio-broadcast team and are working to bring back Don Sutton to be his new partner, according to several people familiar with the negotiations.

Thome's Sox future uncertain past '09  —  Veteran slugger wants to keep playing but contract set to end  —  CHICAGO — This much is certain regarding the final stage of Jim Thome's illustrious career: Barring any sort of unforeseen major injury, the affable Peoria, Ill. …

Cabrera, Nady avoid arbitration  —  Outfielders land one-year pacts; Bruney club's last remaining case  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees continued to move forward with their winter business on Tuesday, finalizing contracts with outfielders Xavier Nady and Melky Cabrera to avoid salary arbitration.

As Bush leaves, so does pardon shot for Rocket  —  There was no last-minute pardon for Roger Clemens before President Bush left the White House Tuesday, and the federal grand jury that has been examining evidence that the former Yankee star committed perjury will continue its work.

Nationals drop selected ticket prices  —  Washington makes move after ranking near bottom of NL in attendance during first season in new stadium  —  WASHINGTON - The Washington Nationals lowered individual-sale ticket prices on 14,000 seats for 2009 on Wednesday after ranking near the bottom …

Horne hopes for big comeback  —  Former Marianna High School and Chipola pitcher Alan Horne left home for Tampa Monday in preparation of yet another spring training.  —  This year's camp, the New York Yankees farmhand hopes, will be the last he attends as a minor leaguer.