Rangers Sign Joe Nathan  —  The Texas Rangers have signed Closer/RHP Joe Nathan, to a 2 year $14.5 million contract that includes a buyout.  Nathan will be introduced tomorrow at a news conference and is expected to take over the closer spot in the bullpen.

A's aren't sending Andrew Bailey, Gio Gonzalez anywhere - right now  —  There were fevered reports today about the A's trading Andrew Bailey to the Reds and Gio Gonzalez to the Marlins, and it's apparent after several phone calls and emails that those reports aren't originating with anyone …

Valentine is the right Sox fit  —  He is married to the daughter of Ralph Branca, who threw the gopher ball to Bobby Thomson at the Polo Grounds in 1951.  His first roommate in professional baseball was Bill Buckner, when the two were drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968.

Mets sign Adam Loewen to minors deal  —  According to Matt Eddy of Baseball America, the Mets have signed RF Adam Loewen to a minor league contract.  —  Loewen, who will be 28 in April, is a converted pitcher and has primarily played right field since 2008.

Explaining my MVP ballot  —  The American League MVP was just announced and as one of the two voters from Boston, accountability requires revealing who was on my ballot.  —  Two BBWAA writers from each AL city vote, ranking their selections 1-10.  Voting is based on the regular season and ballots are due before the postseason.

MLB, players set to announce labor deal  —  Valid through 2016, new agreement includes testing for HGH  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have reached a preliminary agreement on a new five-year Basic Agreement and are expected to announce it on Tuesday afternoon …

Yanks announce ticket info; new plans on tap  —  Majority of prices to remain unchanged or will be reduced for 2012  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees have announced general ticket information for regular-season games played at Yankee Stadium, stating that more than 70 percent of prices will be reduced or unchanged.

Inbox: Any prospects set to make big impact?  —  Beat reporter Chris Haft answers Giants fans' questions  —  Is there someone in the Minor Leagues who might be a breakthrough player in 2012?  Or is it wishful thinking on my part?  —  Right-hander Heath Hembree generated plenty of excitement …

How Does Quality of Contact Relate to BABIP?  —  In the first part of this study, I used detailed batted ball speed information from HITf/x to examine the degree of skill that batters and pitchers had in quality of contact made or allowed.  Here, I will look deeper into the question …

Billy Beane dives into A's stadium issue  —  Since the end of the season, A's general manager Billy Beane hasn't hidden his frustration over his team's stadium limbo.  —  Now, the most recognizable face of the franchise - Beane is the subject of the bestseller “Moneyball” …

Greg Halman stabbed to death in the Netherlands  —  PHOTO CAPTION: Greg Halman was part of a European tour of MLB players that passed through Prague, Czech Republic, two weeks ago, where he posed with some fans.  Today, he was stabbed to death in The Netherlands.  (Photo Credit: Robert Vavra)