Left-hander Hideki Okajima, Boston Red Sox complete deal  —  The Boston Red Sox re-signed left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima to a one-year contract, the team announced.  —  He gets a guaranteed $1.75 million.  The deal includes incentives that could increase Okajima's overall payout to $2.3 million …

Jason Bartlett gets $11-million for two years from San Diego Padres  —  Former Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett got the multi-year deal he was looking for from the Padres, avoiding arbitration with his new team by agreeing to a two-year deal for a reported $11-million …

The Greatest Athlete: “Is Derek Jeter Such a Bad Defender That He's a Bad Player?”  —  Ruth seems like a sure victor, but for his weight.  Ewing suffers, unfairly?  And one participant mourns the absence of an eighties fan favorite.  —  Yogi Berra, 1955. … Al Leiter: Lawrence Taylor was this guy who transcended his sport.

Mariners Sign Adam Kennedy  —  The Mariners signed Adam Kennedy to a minor league deal and invited him to Spring Training, the team announced.  Kennedy, who turns 35 today, enters the mix for a utility infield job with Seattle.  —  I suggested ten days ago that Kennedy would be a good fit for the M's …

Pearlman Discusses HOF Vote, Bagwell, Piazza on Radio  —  Last night, Jeff Pearlman of Sports Illustrated joined me to discuss his controversial comments regarding steroids and Jeff Bagwell.  —  One of the points that Jeff made, and I agree with, is how MLB hasn't provided direction …

Astros Acquire Sergio Escalona  —  The Astros acquired left-hander Sergio Escalona from the Phillies for minor league second baseman Albert Cartwright, according to the teams.  The Phillies designated Escalona for assignment over the weekend to make room for J.C. Romero.

Dave Sisler; Red Sox pitcher was team's top rookie in '56  —  ST. LOUIS — Dave Sisler, the Red Sox Rookie of the Year in 1956, died yesterday at 79.  —  His son, David G., said Mr. Sisler died of complications from prostate cancer.  —  David M. Sisler was the last surviving child of Baseball Hall of Famer George Sisler.

Yankees Have Strong Interest In Andruw Jones  —  Andruw Jones appears to be the Yankees' top choice as they continue to search for a fourth outfielder, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).  The sides are still apart on money, Heyman writes.  Agent Scott Boras, who represents Jones …

Urgent: Cards must move soon on Pujols  —  St. Louis needs to avoid free-agent circus with franchise player  —  For the St. Louis Cardinals, that ticking clock counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training has an added dimension.

The Trade That Didn't Happen  —  This past weekend may have comprised the rare and unusual off-season Rangers trade (one which saw recently DFA'd Guillermo Moscoso shipped to Oakland in exchange for minor league power reliever Ryan Kelly, who may not ever contribute to the Rangers' bullpen …

Simon's agent: Witnesses will testify that the Orioles pitcher did not fire fatal shot  —  The agent for Orioles reliever Alfredo Simon said there are several witnesses in the Dominican Republic who are willing to come forward and testify that the pitcher could not have fired the fatal bullet …