Rockies ship Slowey to Cleveland, push for 2B  —  (David Zalubowski, The Associated Press)  —  Kevin Slowey reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro this week, but never pitched for the Rockies at 5,280 feet.  The right-hander was shipped to the Indians today in exchange …

Tribe obtains Slowey from Rockies for Putnam  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians acted swiftly in trying to protect their rotation depth.  —  On Friday, Cleveland completed a trade with the Rockies, acquiring right-hander Kevin Slowey and cash ($1.25 million) in exchange for Minor League reliever Zach Putnam.

Rays To Sign Carlos Pena  —  The Rays have agreed to sign Carlos Pena to a one-year deal that will bring the powerful first baseman back to Tampa Bay, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports on Twitter.  He'll obtain approximately $7.25MM, Heyman reports.  Yahoo's Tim Brown reported earlier …

Age is just a number for Niekro and Moyer  —  This column is about Jamie Moyer, but it really is about Phil Niekro, because Niekro is about why seasoned (OK, old) players contribute to the magic of baseball.  —  And Niekro was old.  —  You know, if you go by what is considered the norm in professional sports.

Yu mania makes debut at Rangers Ballpark  —  Japan's latest superstar import greeted with plenty of fanfare  —  ARLINGTON — Yu Darvish, in his first news conference at Rangers Ballpark, was able to show some flashes of humor.  At one point, he talked about his first visit earlier this month.

Source: A's interested in Manny Ramirez  —  ORLANDO — The Oakland Athletics are “very interested” in making Manny Ramirez their designated hitter next season, a source told ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com.  —  Ramirez  —  Ramirez, 39, has been working out in Miami since December and has plans …

Mariners getting closer to making Montero for Pineda trade official  —  The agent for Jesus Montero said the catcher is happy about the trade that will send him to the Mariners.  —  One week after news leaked of the Mariners' blockbuster trade with the Yankees, the deal still hasn't been officially consummated.

Romo, Giants avoid arbitration with deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Right-hander Sergio Romo avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.575 million deal, the Giants announced on Friday.  —  Romo's accord left right-hander Tim Lincecum as San Francisco's only unsigned arbitration-eligible player.

Talking some baseball over dinner last night  —  The 73rd annual Boston Baseball Writers Dinner was held at the Westin Copley last night.  A large crowd attended and had a chance to hear from assorted award-winners and guests including Ben Cherington, Bobby Valentine, David Ortiz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Lavarnway and Josh Reddick.

Rangers sign Hawpe  —  The Rangers have signed first baseman-outfielder Brad Hawpe to a Minor League contract.  He gives the Rangers some depth at first base in case Mitch Moreland is not ready.  —  The Rangers have scheduled a Major news conference for Friday night.  Wait a minute, that is for Yu Darvish.

Brewers OF Aoki cashes in on longtime ‘dream’  —  TOKYO — Even with a significant cut in salary, Japanese outfielder Norichika Aoki is pleased to be a Milwaukee Brewer.  —  “I'm just happy to get the opportunity to play in the major leagues,” Aoki said at a news conference on Friday.