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 …

Mets trying to sign Cody Ross  —  According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Mets are interested in OF Cody Ross, and are “making a run at signing him.”  —  Ross, 31, hit .240 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 405 at-bats over 121 games with the Giants last season.

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.

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.

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 …

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.