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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Tigers Avoid Arbitration With Rick Porcello  —  The Tigers avoided arbitration with starter Rick Porcello, MLBTR has learned, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.1MM.  Porcello recently made the easy decision to take arbitration over a $1.344MM option in the Major League deal he signed when drafted.

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.

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.

DeWitt: Cards did their best to re-sign Pujols  —  Club's owner weighs in on negotiations at Winter Warm-Up  —  ST. LOUIS — Cardinals principal owner Bill DeWitt Jr. took issue Sunday with any notion that his team wasn't fully committed to its attempt to re-sign superstar Albert Pujols.