Washington's end game for Fielder  —  Buster Olney writes that signing Prince Fielder would immediately make the Washington Nationals contenders in the NL East, as Fielder would transform the lineup.  But how would the dollars and years sag on the franchise in future seasons?

Nakajima, Yankees unable to reach deal  —  With no agreement, veteran shortstop returns to Seibu Lions  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees announced on Thursday that they were unable to sign infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima, who will instead continue to play for the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League.

MacDougal on verge of signing one-year deal  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are close to re-signing right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal, who would round out their bullpen, to a one-year, $1 million contract.  —  MacDougal, who turns 35 in March, was signed a year ago by the Dodgers …

Zambrano completes Marlins' circus act  —  To: Rick Jaffe, Senior VP, FOXSports.com  —  Much as I enjoy covering all 30 teams as the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com, the time has come for a change.  —  I am writing to ask that you allow me to cover the Miami Marlins full time next season.

Jenks has a second procedure  —  More fragments taken from back  —  BOBBY JENKS Late start in spring training  —  Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks recently had a second spinal decompression procedure after experiencing discomfort following the first procedure in mid-December.

Rangers start to raise railings  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers are in the early stages of installation of railings throughout Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in an effort to make the park safer for fans.  —  Shortly after 39-yard-old Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone died …

Rangers, Napoli likely to settle on one-year deal  —  GM Daniels discusses potential extensions, makeup of bullpen  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers, while focused on signing pitcher Yu Darvish, have not shut down all other business.  They are still discussing long-term contracts for certain players …

Explaining the Command Disconnect  —  We only remember the most exciting plays.  Diving catches, game-winning hits, high-pressure situations — these are the things that fill our memories and our imaginations.  But baseball isn't always exciting — often it's far from it.

Japan IF Kawasaki says he has Mariners' invite  —  KOBE, Japan — Japanese infielder Munenori Kawasaki says he's been invited to spring training by the Seattle Mariners.  —  “I'll be going to Arizona in February to compete for a job,” he said Thursday.  —  Kawasaki batted .267 with 161 hits …

Angels open contract talks with Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar  —  Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto has had preliminary discussions with the agents for second baseman Howie Kendrick and shortstop Erick Aybar about multi-year deals that would prevent the infielders from becoming free agents after 2012.

Mr. Met Keeps His Head Up  —  You know Mr. Met.  Enormous baseball for a head and four fingers on each hand.  An eternal smile and black eyebrows set at optimistic angles.  Blue Mets cap perched on his head like a yarmulke.  —  Mr. Met, the red-stitched Übermensch born without a first name …

Mets unlikely to re-sign Willie Harris  —  The Mets “aren't likely to attempt to re-sign OF Willie Harris,” tweets Andy Martino of the Daily News.  —  In October, Martino said, “Harris became a clubhouse leader and one of manager Terry Collins' favorites, so a return is not impossible.”