SOURCES: PHILS REACH DEAL WITH PAPELBON  —  Ruben Amaro Jr. said he wanted a top closer.  —  He got one.  —  The Phillies have reached agreement on a four-year contract with free-agent Jonathan Papelbon, multiple sources told CSNPhilly.com on Friday.  —  The deal, which won't become …

Miami Marlins on free agent offers: Loria says yes, Samson says no comment  —  You know what Marlins president David Samson needed Friday night?  One of those memory erasing thingamabobs from Men In Black.  Unfortunately for Samson, owner Jeffrey Loria revealed the existence of the aliens …

Former MLB pitcher Charlie Lea dies in Tennessee at age 54  —  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Charlie Lea, who was the first French-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the major leagues, has died.  He was 54.  —  Collierville Police Lt. Doug Marshall confirmed Friday night that Lea was found dead …

Source: Twins, Jamey Carroll near deal  —  Free agent infielder Jamey Carroll is close to a multiyear agreement with the Minnesota Twins to be the team's everyday shortstop, a baseball source told ESPN.com.  —  Contract terms for Carroll weren't immediately available.

Wilson Ramos rescued, safe in Venezuela  —  Wilson Ramos has been rescued in Venezuela and is with the police on his way back home, his agent, Gustavo Mercano, said in a phone conversation.  The Interior Minster called to tell the family at roughly 10 minutes before 10 p.m. East Coast time.

Rockies show an interest in Sizemore  —  The Rockies continue to cast a wide net as they attempt to ramp up their offense, expressing interest in free-agent outfielder Grady Sizemore.  —  Sizemore, who has spent his entire career with the Indians, is one of the most intriguing names on the market …

Dodgers ready to play Moneyball … The Dodgers and general manager Ned Colletti, with his three decades in baseball, have gone sabermetric.  In September the Dodgers hired Alex Tamin, a graduate of Johns Hopkins and UCLA School of Law, as Director of Baseball Contracts, Research and Operations.

Sources: Pirates like Santiago at shortstop  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in free-agent Ramon Santiago as a potential everyday shortstop in 2012, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.  —  Santiago maintained a .685 OPS for the Detroit Tigers over the past three seasons while averaging roughly 100 games played per year.

Rangers unlikely to pursue Pujols or Fielder  —  Texas Rangers president and CEO Nolan Ryan said the team likely won't get too involved in the market for first basemen Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder this offseason.  —  The Rangers are confident in Mitch Moreland, and believe some his struggles …

Newbie managers a gamble for teams  —  The White Sox can gush all they want about Robin Ventura.  The Cardinals can do the same if they hire Mike Matheny.  —  I still don't like the idea of hiring a manager who has no previous managing experience and barely any coaching experience.