Yankees GM Brian Cashman overruled by Hank, Hal Steinbrenner in Rafael Soriano signing, source says  —  The Yankees made a hairpin turn when they decided Thursday to sign All-Star closer Rafael Soriano to become a set-up man and perhaps their closer-in-waiting.

Sources: A's out to sign Fuentes  —  FOX Sports  —  The Yankees aren't the only American League contender trying to load up their bullpen.  —  The A's, who reached agreement Friday with free-agent right-hander Grant Balfour, are pushing to add free-agent lefty Brian Fuentes, major-league sources say.

Fox advances Frank McCourt money to help cover Dodgers' operating expenses  —  An individual close to the situation declined to say how much money had been advanced.  It is unclear whether the cash advance indicates the Dodgers are in immediate financial trouble.

Johan Santana's return expected in June, Mets say; R.A. Dickey, Pelfrey and Pagan go to arbitration  —  Johan Santana's return from September shoulder surgery is on schedule.  —  After seeing doctors this week, the Mets' ace lefthander was cleared to begin a program that will allow …

Cardinals set to sign infielder Ramon Vazquez  —  ST. LOUIS — Looking to augment their depth on the left side of the infield, the St. Louis Cardinals have an agreement in place with utility fielder Ramon Vazquez.  —  The minor-league deal comes with an invitation to spring training …

Cubs to honor Ron Santo with statue at Wrigley Field, uniform patch throughout 2011 season  —  Statue to be unveiled on “Ron Santo Day” - August 10  —  The Chicago Cubs today announced the organization will honor Ron Santo with a statue of his likeness, only the fourth of its kind at Wrigley Field …

Thome wanted to play near Chicago home  —  Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since August 2005.  He appears weekly on MLB on FOX.  Follow him on Twitter.  —  Jim Thome said the Rangers offered him more money than the Twins.

Shadows of the legends  —  I'm not much of a photographer.  But as I was hiking through the slush on Ipswich Street today, the shadows of Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio and Johnny Pesky were so striking in the morning sun.  —  We're here at the New Stars For Young Stars event at Jillian's.

Roenicke in enviable spot, but he better win  —  (Jeffrey Phelps, Associated Press / November 4, 2010)  —  Brewers' 1st-time manager has team built for success now, but odds still against him  —  On Baseball  —  Ron Roenicke better be tough.  He has taken on a rough job …

Barry Bonds files court papers, wants reason former business partner Steve Hoskins wasn't prosecuted  —  Barry Bonds' attorneys want to know why federal authorities did not prosecute his former business partner - likely a key government witness when the slugger goes to trial on perjury charges in March …

Ex-Met manager named public safety director  —  QUICK READMayor Michael Pavia announced Thursday morning that he has appointed  —  STAMFORD - Mayor Michael Pavia announced Thursday morning that he has appointed former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine to his cabinet as the city's director of public health and safety.

Rizzo confident in Nats' stable of pitchers  —  WASHINGTON — Published reports have indicated that the Nationals are trying to acquire free-agent right-hander Chris Young.  Not true, according to a baseball source, who declined to say why the club doesn't have interest.

The most overpaid and underpaid players of the offseason … This has been the winter of the overpay, not to be confused with Overbay, the new Pirates first baseman who was himself overpaid.  These monster deals or very good players and pretty big deals for OK players really shouldn't have shocked anyone.