Nats Sign Adam Dunn For 2 Years, $20 Million  —  The Washington Nationals have agreed to a preliminary deal with free agent Adam Dunn, a signing that would fulfill their offseason-long search for a left-handed power hitter.  Two independent sources have told the Post that Dunn will sign a two-year deal.

Joba says A-Rod will thrive despite scandal  —  TAMPA - Joba Chamberlain had his own difficult off-season and the Yankee pitcher, who was nabbed for DUI in his native Nebraska, believes Alex Rodriguez's public confession this week will be cathartic for the third baseman.

$15M Lawsuit claims ex-Met Roberto Alomar had sex knowing he had AIDS  —  Baseball great Roberto Alomar has full-blown AIDS but insisted on having unprotected sex, his ex-girlfriend charged Tuesday in a bombshell lawsuit.  —  The shocking claim was leveled by Ilya Dall, 31 …

The book on Manny  —  During his seven-plus seasons with the Red Sox, Manny Ramirez was often perceived as a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in an extra baggy uniform.  —  But a new authorized biography that hits the shelves next month attempts to offer some insight regarding his background …

Mets' Wright: You can't ever condone cheating  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - In a comparison of New York's third basemen, it's no contest.  Alex Rodriguez is a three-time MVP, a 12-time All-Star and the favorite to one day wrest the home run crown from the head of Barry Bonds.

Mr. Tejada Goes To Washington (WITH UPDATE)  —  This is cross-posted over at the mothership here.  So give it a click to help the numbers....  Miguel Tejada appeared in court today and pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of making a misleading statement to Congressional investigators.

DARRYL BARES MET SEXCAPADES  —  DESPITE their steroid scandals, today's baseball superstars are still choirboys compared to the boozing, skirt-chasing New York Mets of the mid-1980s.  —  “We were the boys of summer.  The drunk, speed-freak, sneaking-a-smoke boys of summer,” …

Blue Jays sign Millar  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have signed INF Kevin Millar to a minor league contract for the 2009 season, with an invitation to major league spring training.  —  Millar, 37, batted .234 with 20 home runs and 72 RBI for the Baltimore Orioles in 2008.

Schneider unlikely for WBC  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — It doesn't look like Mets catcher Brian Schneider will be chosen for the U.S. team competing in the World Baseball Classic next month, and Schneider appeared resigned to that when talking to reporters here today.

Favre tells Jets he's retiring … Without the tearful public ceremony that accompanied his retirement announcement from the Green Bay Packers just 11 months ago, quarterback Brett Favre has told the New York Jets he is retiring.  —  Favre had instructed his agent, James “Bus” Cook, to inform the Jets on Wednesday that he is retiring.

Francona confident Ortiz, Lowell will be healthy  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona is upbeat about the improved health of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell.  —  Francona said Wednesday that neither is a question mark heading into spring training after a season in which both were hit hard by injuries.

Abreu might be headed Halos' way  —  Free-agent slugger reportedly nearing one-year deal with Angels  —  According to several reports, the Angels are closing in on a deal for free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu.  —  Efforts to reach Angels general manager Tony Reagins for comment have been unsuccessful.