Nationals unlikely to sign Prince at current price  —  WASHINGTON — There is a “99 percent” chance that the Nationals will not sign free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, according to a baseball source.  —  The news comes a few weeks after ownership met with Fielder and his agent, Scott Boras, in the nation's capital.

Madson's Reds contract awaiting physical  —  CINCINNATI — A formalized contract between the Reds and prospective new closer Ryan Madson might take several days to complete.  —  A source told MLB.com on Wednesday that Madson will get a one-year guaranteed contract that pays him $6 million …

Vogelsong, Giants agree to 2-year, $8.3M deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Vogelsong and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $8.3 million after he became one of the team's most reliable starters and an unlikely All-Star last season.

Bobby Valentine, Carl Crawford to restore order  —  Eventually, Red Sox [team stats] manager Bobby Valentine and Carl Crawford will talk, at which time they will leave behind the comments Valentine made as an ESPN analyst that insulted the left fielder and move on to more timely matters.

Selig's contract extension approved by owners  —  PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — A two-year contract extension for Commissioner Bud Selig was approved on Wednesday by Major League Baseball's executive council, setting up Thursday's confirmation vote by the full ownership.

Johnny Damon: “It's an unhappy day”  —  Johnny Damon greatly enjoyed his experience playing for the Rays last season and was very much hoping to come back.  —  But when the Rays struck a deal Wednesday to bring in Luke Scott as their primary DH, it meant Damon wasn't going to get to return, and that didn't go over well.

Leukemia Free  —  As far as I know, this news doesn't affect the Mariners chances of signing Prince Fielder, so I apologize in advance for the lack of update on that front.  —  I do, however, have some news to share.  I underwent a bone marrow biopsy yesterday morning - my third one, in fact.

Epstein: Wood talks continue, Garza trade talk overblown  —  Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epsten said Wednesday that talks with Kerry Wood are continuing, and speculation over a Matt Garza deal has been overblown by the media.  —  Wood is expected to return to the Cubs …

2012 Hall of Fame Vote: BBWAA Should End Secret Ballots  —  There are no special qualifications voters in democratic societies need to go to the polls except for citizenship, and all a fan needs to cast his or her vote for the All-Star Game is internet access or a ticket to the ballpark.