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 …

Reds Sign Fred Lewis  —  The Reds announced that they signed Fred Lewis to a one-year deal (Twitter link).  It's a $900K major league deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon (on Twitter).  Scott Leventhal and Damon Lapa represent Lewis.  —  Until last week, Jay Bruce was the lone left-handed hitter in the Reds' outfield.

Bartlett agrees to two-year deal with Padres  —  San Diego avoids arbitration with recently acquired shortstop  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres found a way to shorten their list of arbitration-eligible players on Monday when they reached an agreement on a two-year contract with new shortstop Jason Bartlett.

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 …

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.

UPDATED: Rivera all but certain to be Panthers' new head coach  —  It seems the Chargers are in the market for a new defensive coordinator.  —  Ron Rivera, many times a bridesmaid, is on the verge of being announced as the Carolina Panthers' new head coach.

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.

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 …

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 …

White Sox agree to terms with pitcher Will Ohman  —  The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a two-year, $4-million contract with free agent relief pitcher Will Ohman.  Under terms of the deal, Ohman will receive $1.5 million in 2011 and $2.5 million in 2012.

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.

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.