BoSox need to face reality, fix rotation  —  The Yankees had to upgrade their starting rotation.  They knew it.  Their fans knew it.  The competition knew it, too.  —  The New York starters were mediocre last year — 14th among 30 big league teams in ERA — and couldn't beat …

Tigers agree to terms with Porcello, Coke  —  Both arbitration-eligible pitchers get a one-year deal apiece  —  DETROIT — The Tigers began a week of expected arbitration deals by agreeing to terms with two of their arbitration-eligible pitchers.  Detroit agreed to terms on one-year contracts …

Rockies' Smith avoids arbitration with one-year deal  —  Seth Smith has spent the winter in wonderland, mentioned repeatedly in trade rumors as the Rockies made a play for Braves' infielder Martin Prado and starting pitchers.  Talks have cooled, but Smith remains a potential chip in a deal.

Yankees eye Damon as DH  —  With the Yankees in the market for a designated hitter now that Jesus Montero is heading to Seattle, they are looking at a number of options and reportedly already reached out to Johnny Damon and Carlos Pena.  —  Since they already added $10 million to the payroll …

Zumaya agrees to deal with Twins  —  The Tigers could end up seeing a lot of Joel Zumaya this year after all.  It'll just be in a different uniform, albeit an awfully familiar one.  —  After throwing for teams in December and holding out for a roster spot and the right situation …

Hanrahan, Pirates form deal to avoid arbitration  —  The Pirates announced on Monday that they have agreed to terms on a contract with Joel Hanrahan, avoiding arbitration with the closer.  The deal is worth $4.1 million.  —  Hanrahan, who made $1.4 million last year, was due for a sizable raise …

Puerto Rico Traces Decline in Prospects to Baseball Draft  —  Ivan Rodriguez at bat.  Mr. Rodriguez, 41, is currently a free agent and playing for one of the Puerto Rican Winter League's four teams.  He is the last active Puerto Rican major leaguer to avoid the draft.  More Photos »

Oakland manager Melvin excited about Japan series  —  TOKYO (AP) - With or without Hideki Matsui, Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin is looking forward to opening Major League Baseball's 2012 season in Japan.  —  The Athletics and Seattle Mariners open the regular season with a two-game series at Tokyo Dome on March 28-29.

Bat will determine Flores' future position  —  Prospect projects as an infielder, but not as answer at shortstop  —  NEW YORK — Mets trainer Ray Ramirez flew down to Panama earlier this winter, with the sole intent of helping Ruben Tejada develop enough strength and endurance to survive the rigors of a 162-game schedule.

Source: Phillies agree with Joel Pineiro  —  The Phillies have agreed to a minor league contract with free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro, according to a major league source.  The deal includes an invitation to the Phillies' big league spring training camp.  —  The 33-year-old right-hander spent the past two seasons with the Angels.

10th anniversary: Rangers sign Chan Ho Park  —  Today marks the 10th anniversary of one of the worst free agent signings in baseball history.  On Jan. 16, 2002, the Texas Rangers ownership opened up its pocketbooks to give a gaudy five-year, $65 million contract to starting pitcher Chan Ho Park.