Reports: Yankees agree to minor-league deal with reliever Hideki Okajima  —  The Yankees have agreed to a minor-league contract with former Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima, according to multiple reports.  Okajima, who turned 36 on Christmas Day, will be invited to spring training and could compete …

Knuckleballs of Kilimanjaro: Dickey Plots Ascent  —  When he goes out for his daily run, Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey straps on a black mask covering his eyes, nose and mouth.  The guise has two distinct effects.  The first is to limit his oxygen intake, simulating the conditions at a high altitude.

Yankees' A-Rod saw German doctors on advice from Kobe  —  Kobe Bryant can be credited with an assist to Alex Rodriguez.  —  According to multiple sources, the Yankees third baseman recently followed a recommendation from Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers star, and traveled to Germany …

HOF Story 3: The Yea Votes  —  People talk all the time about who “feels” like a Hall of Famer and who does not.  I know exactly what they're saying, because I feel those same impulses... and yet, I don't know exactly why it's true — why some players feel like Hall of Famers while others (who might be even better players) do not.

Gap still exists in Giants/Lincecum talks  —  After some more negotiating this winter, indications are that there's still a sizable gap in long-term contract talks between the San Francisco Giants and their ace pitcher Tim Lincecum.  —  Neither side would speak directly about the specifics …

Yanks end days of splurging on talent  —  Crazy times, is what baseball people are telling us about the game's current financial state.  The Yankees and Red Sox are frozen in place, refusing to splurge, while the Marlins and Angels have blown through their retirement funds.

Diamondbacks Add Cuban Lefty  —  Cuban lefthander Alexander Carreras, who turns 22 on Sunday, has signed with the Diamondbacks for $400,000.  —  At his best, Carreras has shown a solid delivery and athleticism, touched 93 mph and mixed in a hard cutter/slider, which some scouts believe is his best pitch.

Reds unable to follow up strong campaign  —  After 2010 division title, injuries, rotation woes led to subpar ‘11  —  CINCINNATI — The Reds’ 2011 season began with high expectations and ended in disappointment.  —  You couldn't blame a single person in the organization for feeling that way.

Keeping Dobbs a top priority  —  MIAMI — Exploring the market for a frontline starting pitcher is high on the Marlins' shopping list.  —  But it's not the club's most immediate priority.  —  Right now, bringing back free agent Greg Dobbs is a main objective, and the team is hoping to finalize a deal done soon.

Torrealba issues apology after suspension  —  Catcher draws punishment after striking umpire during game  —  ARLINGTON — Catcher Yorvit Torrealba has been suspended for 66 games — the rest of this Venezuelan Winter League season and all of the next — after striking umpire Dario Rivero Jr …